CEO - Xina Solar One

Engie; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 519,000 - 728,000; Full time

Job summary

A major player in renewable energy is seeking a CEO for the XINA Solar One Project Company in South Africa. The CEO will oversee day-to-day operations, financial performance, and stakeholder relations, ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations while driving successful project management. Ideal candidates should possess a strong background in the energy sector with over 15 years of experience and a solid understanding of project finance and contract management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years' experience within the power sector, preferably in power generation.
• Direct experience with thermal power generation technologies.
• Proven contract management experience.

Responsibilities

• Optimize the financial performance of the project company.
• Control and supervise financial management.
• Engage with stakeholders to maintain the 'license to operate'.

Skills

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Project finance

Contract management

Interpersonal skills

Education

University Degree in Engineering, Financial or Legal discipline

Master's Degree

Certified Public Accountant / Chartered Accountant

HSE qualification

Job description

Overview

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

2. Background

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 combines complementary activities: renewable electricity and green gas production, flexibility assets (notably batteries), gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks, local energy infrastructures and the supply of energy to individuals, local authorities, and businesses. Every year, ENGIE works to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net-zero carbon goal by 2045. The Group has been present in Africa for over 50 years.

ENGIE provides expertise in four (4) Global Business Units :

• Renewables & Flex Power - Delivering greener and smarter electrons through renewable energy and flexible power solutions.
• Local Energy Infrastructures - Support customers in achieving significant decarbonization goals.
• Networks - Expanding and adapting power and gas infrastructure to accommodate the transition to green molecules.
• Supply & Energy Management - Leveraging ENGIE's global energy assets to deliver secure, sustainable energy to customers.

About ENGIE in South Africa :

• 15 years + presence in South Africa
• First and largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) with more than 1,6 GW in operation
• Over 300 + professionals
• Developed, built and operate the first H2 plant in Africa at Mogalakwena mine
• Founding member of the Hydrogen valley initiative with Anglo American and the Department of Science and Technology
• Operational and Safety excellence across all sites
• Growth Market for ENGIE

In South Africa, ENGIE has a growing involvement and portfolio of operational assets:

• Avon & Dedisa Peaking Power (1005 MW OCGT)
• Xina Solar One (100 MW CSP)
• Kathu Solar Park (100 MW CSP)
• Aurora Wind (95 MW Onshore Wind)
• Golden Valley (117 MW Onshore Wind)
• Excelsior (32 MW Onshore Wind)
• Konkoonsies 2 (75 MW Solar PV)
• Aggeneys (40 MW Solar PV)
• MBP (75 MW Solar PV)
• Grootspruit (75 MW Solar PV) - in construction
• Graspan (75 MW Solar PV) - in construction
• OYA Hybrid (333 MW Solar / Wind / BESS) - in construction
• For more information please visit :

3. Job Purpose

• In charge of all day-to-day matters of the Project Company including compliance by the Company with its obligations under the XINA Power Purchase Agreement.
• The CEO is responsible for controlling the Project Company and the operation of the plant, controlling expenses, optimizing human resources, in order to respect the budget and to ensure smooth operation of the plant. He / she is responsible for defending the interests of the Project Company, and initiate long term solution to the plant operational issues in order to protect project revenues.
• The CEO will be the internal and external main point of contact for the project company. Responsibilities include health, safety and environment, shareholder management, community engagement, Social Economic Development program, contract & finance management, technical reporting and HR Management

4. Key Responsibilities

Within the limits of Project Agreements

• optimise the financial performance of the project company, maintaining and implementing timely and accurate Engie Group financial reporting, medium term forecast / budgeting control and risk management, and protecting the long-term value of the asset
• General Management of XINA project team
• Enforcing Health, Safety and Environment performance for the Company's staff, Operator and contractors
• Together with the CEO of XINA Operations and Maintenance Company, initiate long term solutions to the plant operational issues in order to protect revenues, and safeguard long-term and sustainable performance
• Contractor and Operator Contract management, plant performance follow up, claim management
• Ensuring proper implementation of governance and reporting requirements, including preparation and organisation of XINA Board of Directors, sub committees and General Shareholders Assembly
• Ensures all contractual obligations towards the South African authorities and towards the off-taker (according to the Implementation Agreement and the Power Purchase Agreement) are respected. This includes Economic Development obligations
• Engaging with all relevant project stakeholders to maintain the 'license to operate' and representing XINA towards the stakeholders

Specific roles and responsibilities

Environmental, health and Safety - Managing the Environmental, Health and Safety performance of the project

• Ensure that adequate provision is made for the successful & continuous implementation of Health, Safety & Environmental management systems by the O&M company which will guarantee that a safe place & safe systems of work are provided on a consistent basis
• Ensure that all regulatory approvals / permits are obtained and maintained in order to maintain the full operation of the plant
• Stakeholder Relations
• Representing XINA project Company in engagements with the authorities, regulatory agencies, lenders, banks, service providers and professional organisations
• Conduct and / or coordinate and control all high level interfaces with the authorities, banks and clients
• Handling community relations and liaise with main stakeholders

Finance

• Manage operations within approved budget and delegation of authority
• Maximise profitability and shareholder value
• Control and supervision of the financial management, and particularly :
• Comprehensive and effective company costs control
• Prepare medium and long-term budget forecasts for Board approval, monitoring and reporting variances and deviations on a regular basis
• Ensure compliance with finance documents
• Ensure compliance with local tax authorities
• Monthly financial reporting to the Engie Group
• Monthly financial analysis to the Engie Group (Budget vs Actual and Best Estimate)
• Compliance with South African Companies Act (timely annual return filings) o Control and approve procurement and all expenditures. Maintain and update related procedures
• Prepare refinancing and IPO if any with the support of Engie
• Contract and Project Management - Managing the Environmental, Health and Safety performance of the project
• Understand and manage EPC contracts until Final Acceptance Date; manage construction claims, warranty claims and punch list items
• Ensure and maintain compliance with the Project Agreements, the Finance Agreements and South African laws; Coordinate with the Board of Directors to resolve disputes in the best interest of XINA Project Company
• Coordinate with the CEO of the O&M Company; ensure O&M keeps appropriate organisation and performs activities in line with Good Utility practices; develop operating and maintenance strategies
• Plant performance monitoring before and after Final Acceptance date
• Design and approval of plant improvements and investments
• Develop and propose the annual SED plan
• Manage Owner's Engineer and Independent Engineer until Final Acceptance Date
• General Management to ensure compliance with Black Economic Empowerment requirements
• Improve the performance of the plant and propose investments
• Responsible to the Board for good utility practices in the management and administration of XINA Project Company
• Responsible for the respect of the ethical and governance practices enacted by the Board
• Risk assessment and reporting; ensure changes in law and regulations are implemented where necessary
• Support to future business development and undertakes other duties as required
• IT management
• Communication management
• Ensure that insurance coverage and policies are in place during the operational phase
• Reporting to the Board of Directors and General Shareholders Assembly; keep Directors informed of significant changes

Human Resources

• Set-up and implement a compensation & benefits policy in line with the budget
• Develop HR policy and administrative procedures
• Set objectives for the team, evaluate personnel on a regular basis and implement salary policy accordingly

5. Qualifications, Experience & Skills

Education

• University Degree in Engineering, Financial or Legal discipline; Master's Degree preferred
• Certified Public Accountant / Qualified Chartered Accountant is an advantage
• HSE qualification in relevant field is an advantage
• Solid base in project finance, accountancy and consolidation

Language

• Excellent English communication skills mandatory (verbal and written)

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years' experience within the power / energy sector, preferably in power generation, with minimum 5 years in a senior management position
• Direct experience of thermal power generation technologies and preferably CSP
• Solid understanding of project finance
• Proven contract management experience
• Experience with IPPs is a plus
• Team leadership experience
• Public and 3rd party relationship / contractual management / finance management experience

Specific Knowledge / Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation and leadership and management skills
• Knowledge of Power Purchase Agreement framework
• Good technical background
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to lead and work in a broad cultural spectrum

6. Communication and Working Relationships

Internal:

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

External:

• Client / Off-Taker (ESKOM)
• Government and local authorities as required
• Operator, through the O&M agreement
• Contractor through the EPC contract
• Other Contractual Counterparties, Contractors, Suppliers, Equipment Manufacturers and Vendors
• Banks
• Other stakeholders

ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups. ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions

Business Unit: GBU Renewables

Division: REN AMEA - South Africa

Legal Entity: ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Limited

Professional Experience: Senior (experience > 15 years)

Education Level: Master's Degree