Chief Executive Officer

SET Recruitment Consultants; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 800 000 - 2 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Chief Executive Officer for a major renewable energy project company in Johannesburg. The CEO will lead strategic initiatives, ensure operational excellence, and oversee stakeholder engagements. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in the power/energy sector, excellent leadership skills, and a strong technical understanding of energy projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable energy initiatives in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in the power/energy sector, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong understanding of project finance and contract management.
• Experience in power generation technologies (thermal and preferably CSP).
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and governance structures.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and general management of the project team.
• Ensure compliance with all project agreements and regulatory requirements.
• Optimize financial performance through effective budgeting and cost control.
• Oversee plant operations and performance monitoring.
• Drive Health, Safety, and Environmental excellence across all operations.
• Represent the company in engagements with stakeholders.
• Manage risk assessment and implementation of mitigation strategies.
• Lead HR strategy, including team development and performance management.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Negotiation skills

Technical understanding of energy projects

Ability to work independently

Education

University degree in Engineering, Finance, or Legal discipline

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Renewable Energy Sector

Location: Bryanston, Johannesburg (with travel to operational sites and occasional international travel)
Contract Type: Full-time, Local Employment Contract

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead a major renewable energy project company. The CEO will be responsible for overall strategic direction, operational excellence, financial performance, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring compliance with all contractual and regulatory obligations. This is a unique opportunity to drive sustainable energy initiatives and contribute to South Africa’s energy transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and general management of the project team.
• Ensure compliance with all project agreements, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.
• Optimize financial performance through effective budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Oversee plant operations, contractor and operator management, and performance monitoring.
• Drive Health, Safety, and Environmental excellence across all operations.
• Represent the company in engagements with authorities, lenders, contractors, and community stakeholders.
• Manage risk assessment, reporting, and implementation of mitigation strategies.
• Lead HR strategy, including team development, compensation, and performance management.

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree in Engineering, Finance, or Legal discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in the power/energy sector, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong understanding of project finance and contract management.
• Experience in power generation technologies (thermal and preferably CSP).
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and governance structures.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead diverse teams.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong leadership and negotiation skills.
• Solid technical understanding of energy projects and operational processes.
• Ability to work independently and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and sustainability.

Please note:

If you do not receive feedback within two weeks, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.