CEO - Xina Solar One

Engie Africa; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company is seeking a CEO for Xina Solar One Company. The role involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance, and optimizing financial performance. Ideal candidates will have at least 15 years in the power sector and 5 years in senior management. This position is based in Abu Dhabi with occasional travel to operations and Europe.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years in the power/energy sector, preferably in power generation.
• Minimum 5 years in senior management.
• Strong understanding of Power Purchase Agreement framework.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Project Company.
• Optimize financial performance within Project Agreements.
• Ensure compliance with South African Companies Act and related procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Project Finance

Stakeholder Management

Education

University degree in Engineering, Finance or Legal discipline

Master’s degree preferred

CPA or CA qualifications

Job description

Overview

INTERNAL / EXTERNAL VACANCY POSITION DETAILS

Position Title : CEO - Xina Solar One Company

Reports to : Formally reports to the Board of Directors of the Project Company; also reports internally to the Chief Operations Officer

Department : Renewable Operations

Period : Full Time - Local Employment Contract

Location : Bryanston, Johannesburg - South Africa

Frequent travel to XINA Operations and occasionally to Europe

Closing date : 26th September 2025

About ENGIE and XINA Solar One

XINA Solar One, Project Company within ENGIE Southern Africa. ENGIE is a major player in the energy transition, whose purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. With 98,000 employees in 30 countries, the Group covers the entire energy value chain, from production to infrastructures and sales. ENGIE aims to achieve net-zero by 2045 and has been present in Africa for over 50 years.

• ENGIE provides expertise in four Global Business Units : Renewables & Flex Power; Local Energy Infrastructures; Networks; Supply & Energy Management.

In South Africa, ENGIE has a growing involvement and portfolio of operational assets including Xina Solar One (100 MW CSP) and other projects listed in the original description.

Job Purpose

• In charge of all day-to-day matters of the Project Company including compliance with obligations under the XINA Power Purchase Agreement.
• Responsible for controlling the Project Company and plant operations, managing expenses, optimizing human resources, and protecting project revenues.
• Internal and external main point of contact for the project company; responsibilities include health, safety and environment, shareholder management, community engagement, Social Economic Development, contract & finance management, HR management, and technical reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Within the limits of Project Agreements, optimize financial performance; maintain Engie Group financial reporting, budgeting / control, risk management, and long-term asset value.
• General Management of XINA project team; enforce Health, Safety and Environment performance for staff, operator and contractors.
• Collaborate with the CEO of XINA Operations & Maintenance Company to address plant operational issues and protect revenues.
• Contractor and Operator contract management; plant performance follow-up; claim management.
• Ensure governance and reporting requirements; organize XINA Board of Directors, subcommittees and General Shareholders Assembly.
• Ensure contractual obligations towards South African authorities and off-taker are respected, including Economic Development obligations; engage stakeholders to maintain license to operate.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

• Environmental, Health and Safety : manage EHS performance; ensure EHS management systems are implemented by O&M; maintain safe operations.
• Regulatory : obtain and maintain regulatory approvals / permits for operation.
• Stakeholder Relations : represent XINA in engagements with authorities, lenders, banks, service providers and professional organisations; coordinate high-level interfaces with authorities, banks and clients; handle community relations and main stakeholders.

Finance

• Manage operations within approved budget; maximize profitability and shareholder value.
• Oversee financial management, cost control, medium / long-term budgeting, and compliance with finance documents and local tax authorities; monthly reporting to Engie Group.
• Monthly financial analysis to Engie Group (Budget vs Actual and Best Estimate).

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with South African Companies Act; manage procurement and expenditures; maintain related procedures.
• Prepare refining plans if applicable; oversee EPC / O&M contracts through Final Acceptance Date; manage construction and warranty claims.
• Maintain compliance with Project Agreements, Finance Agreements and South African laws; manage disputes with the Board and maintain client relationships; implement operating and maintenance strategies for optimum operation and availability.
• IT management; communication management; insurance coverage during operation; reporting to the Board and shareholders; HR management including compensation, benefits policy and HR procedures.

Qualification, Experience & Skills

Education

• University degree in Engineering, Finance or Legal discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• CPA or CA qualifications are an advantage; relevant HSE qualification is an advantage; solid base in project finance, accounting and tax law advantageous.

Language

• Excellent English communication skills (verbal and written) mandatory.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years in the power / energy sector, preferably in power generation; minimum 5 years in senior management.
• Direct experience with thermal power generation technologies and CSP preferred.
• Strong project finance understanding; proven contract management; IPP experience is a plus; team leadership; stakeholder management and finance management experience.

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, leadership and management skills.
• Knowledge of Power Purchase Agreement framework; good technical background; ability to work independently; ability to lead in a diverse cultural context.

Communication & Working Relationships

Internal

• XINA Board of Directors; Renewables COO; ENGIE regional managers; ENGIE head office EXCO; XINA Project Company Management team.

External

• Client / Off-Taker (ESKOM); Government and local authorities; Operator via O&M; Contractor via EPC; Banks and other stakeholders.

ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups; candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note : This description is provided for internal / external vacancy purposes and reflects the information available at the time of posting.

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