Sofia Riaz
Batley
Summary
Senior Sales and Commercial Leader with extensive experience in energy infrastructure and heat networks, delivering sustainable commercial growth across complex, long‑term projects. Proven track record of securing new and repeat business at scale, owning EBIT performance and developing robust investment cases to support strategic decision‑making. Highly effective in translating customer requirements into tailored commercial solutions, leading complex negotiations, and steering cross‑functional teams across Commercial, Finance, Legal and Technical disciplines. Recognised for strong stakeholder engagement, disciplined risk management and the ability to maximise asset value to enable future business growth.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Sales Manager
E.ON UK
2024.06 - Current
- Drive commercial growth at Blackburn Meadows through new heat network connections, maximising asset utilisation and supporting long‑term network value linked to Sheffield's future heat zone development.
- Proven track record of securing new and repeat business totalling £20m+ TCV.
- Deliver against EBIT targets while building and sustaining a strong future commercial pipeline.
- Develop tailored solutions by translating client drivers into commercially aligned propositions.
- Deliver complex investment proposals by leading multi‑disciplinary project teams across Solutions, Commercial, Finance and Legal.
- Own the design, development and financial modelling of complex investment cases, assessing, mitigating and reporting project and investment risks.
- Lead the negotiation and execution of bespoke customer contracts, taking ownership of customer‑facing negotiations and coordinating Legal support as required
- Enhance market visibility and opportunity generation through active participation in industry forums, trade events and strategic LinkedIn activity.
Business Development Manager
E.ON UK
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Scotland
2015.04 - 2024.06
- Led ECO funding and contract negotiations, overseeing scheme performance, SHEQ compliance and audit requirements while guiding transition through future ECO obligation phases.
- Secured £5m award‑winning local authority ECO contracts, contributing to 156% of annual sales target.
- Awarded an E.ON “YES Award” (April 2022) for stabilising one of the business's largest ECO delivery contracts, resolving a critical backlog and protecting c.£1.1m of at‑risk value.
- Successfully positioned and sold tailored solutions to strategic accounts, leveraging strong sales, bid development and client management capability.
- Identified and implemented key process improvements, advising the ECO Board on changes that increased commercial opportunity while reducing delivery and compliance risk.
Relationship Manager
E.ON UK
Yorkshire
2013.04 - 2015.04
- Consistently delivered ECO sales targets by establishing and maximising strategic partner relationships across installer and social housing networks.
- Established and managed performance targets across contractors and stakeholders, mitigating delivery and performance risk.
- Enabled delivery of high‑value projects by collaborating across Energy Solutions and E.ON UK to drive commercial and brand opportunities.
- Improved audit accuracy and timeliness by providing clear leadership and guidance to a team of three direct reports.
- Create and deliver accurate & timely reports for the Board.
SME Account Manager
E.ON UK
Yorkshire
2010.06 - 2013.03
- Targeted and acquired high‑lifetime‑value SME customers, building a strong and sustainable opportunity pipeline.
- Converted self‑originated opportunities into profitable, retained SME business, consistently supporting delivery of sales plans.
Field Account Manager (New Connections)
E.ON UK
Yorkshire
2008.01 - 2010.06
- Delivered profitable growth in the new‑homes sector through strategic developer partnerships and solution‑led cross‑selling of E.ON services.
- Managed complex developer relationships end‑to‑end, leading issue resolution on site and matrix‑managing three Account Managers to drive performance.
Core Trainer
E.ON UK
Nottingham
2007.03 - 2007.12
- Designed and delivered two‑week national induction programmes for field‑based HECs and IECs, building core sales capability and commercial confidence.
- Strengthened frontline sales performance through role‑play‑based training focused on personal impact, product knowledge, objection handling and closing skills.
Field Sales Coach
Powergen
National
2004.07 - 2007.02
- Improved customer acquisition and retention by coaching and developing Energy Consultants' sales capability.
Field Sales Advisor / HEC
TXU Energi/Powergen
Yorkshire
2001.12 - 2004.07
- Delivered residential energy sales through face‑to‑face customer engagement.
Education
Master of Business Administration - L7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship
University of Nottingham
Nottingham 2025.11 -
A'Levels - Psychology (B), English Language (C) and Law (C)
Wakefield College
Wakefield 1998.09 - 2000.07
GCSE's - English Language/Literature (B/C) Mathematics (C), Science (Dual Award – C/C), Textiles (A), History (C), Information Technology (B), Urdu (B) and French (B)
Thornhill High School
Dewsbury 1993.09 - 1998.07
Skills
- Commercial Strategy
- Revenue Growth & Value Creation
- EBIT & P&L Ownership
- Strategic Account Management
- Investment Case Development
- Contract Negotiation & Deal Structuring
- Pipeline Growth
- Market Development & Expansion
- Financial Modelling & Business Case Analysis
- Senior Stakeholder Engagement
- Board Level Engagement
- Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Commercial Risk Management
- Process Improvement
Interests
Cricket, Rounders, Hiking, Exploring New Cuisines and Food Cultures, Travelling, Music, Climate Change & Sustainability, Technology & Innovation
Certification
EBS Yellow Belt (Lean / Continuous Improvement) - applied across commercial, process‑improvement and risk‑management activities.
Languages
English
Fluent
Punjabi
Native
Urdu
Native
Arabic
Intermediate
Accomplishments
- Selected to host a senior leadership event attended by E.ON executives Marten Bünnermann and Chris Norbury, reflecting a trusted leadership presence and stakeholder credibility.
- Delivered asset‑led commercial growth at Blackburn Meadows, achieving outcomes not realised previously, maximising utilisation of existing infrastructure and supporting future heat zone development.
- Executive MBA / Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship - Nottingham Trent University. Selected for senior leadership development programme; currently in progress.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Master of Business Administration - L7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship
University of Nottingham
2025.11 -
Sales Manager
E.ON UK
2024.06 - Current
Business Development Manager
E.ON UK
2015.04 - 2024.06
Relationship Manager
E.ON UK
2013.04 - 2015.04
SME Account Manager
E.ON UK
2010.06 - 2013.03
Field Account Manager (New Connections)
E.ON UK
2008.01 - 2010.06
Core Trainer
E.ON UK
2007.03 - 2007.12
Field Sales Coach
Powergen
2004.07 - 2007.02
Field Sales Advisor / HEC
TXU Energi/Powergen
2001.12 - 2004.07
A'Levels - Psychology (B), English Language (C) and Law (C)
Wakefield College
1998.09 - 2000.07
GCSE's - English Language/Literature (B/C) Mathematics (C), Science (Dual Award – C/C), Textiles (A), History (C), Information Technology (B), Urdu (B) and French (B)
Thornhill High School
1993.09 - 1998.07