Chief Operating Officer

Smart4 Energy; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to partner with the CEO to scale and professionalise the business. This strategic role involves building and running the operating engine of a growing renewable energy portfolio. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles and a strong understanding of governance and operational controls. This position is based in Cape Town with opportunities for growth and influence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in senior leadership within renewable energy or related sectors.
• Proven experience in capital-intensive environments at executive level.
• Strong understanding of operational controls in regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the CEO to deliver strategy.
• Provide executive leadership across day-to-day operations.
• Design and implement scalable operating models.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Execution capability

Governance understanding

Team building

Excellent communication

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Renewable Energy & Infrastructure

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

About the Role

A leading renewable energy investment, development, and operating platform is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to partner with the CEO in scaling and professionalising the business.

This role is central to translating strategy into execution. You will build and run the operating engine of a growing renewable energy portfolio, ensuring the organisation is structured, governed, and resourced to support long-term growth across multiple assets.

This opportunity suits a senior executive who thrives in complex, capital-intensive environments and enjoys building structure, systems, and teams as a business scales.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the CEO to deliver strategy through disciplined execution
• Provide executive leadership across day-to-day operations of the group
• Design and implement scalable operating models, systems, and processes
• Strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls to investor-grade standards
• Oversee core corporate functions including finance, HR, IT, and operational reporting
• Drive performance management, accountability, and organisational effectiveness
• Support engagement with investors, lenders, board members, and strategic partners
• Ensure the business is operationally prepared for growth in assets, people, and capital

Experience & Background

• 10+ years’ experience in a senior leadership role within renewable energy, infrastructure, investment platforms, or related sectors
• Proven experience operating at executive level in multi-stakeholder, capital-intensive environments
• Strong understanding of governance, operational controls, and execution in regulated industries
• Track record of building and scaling teams, systems, and operating structures
• Comfortable working closely with CEOs, boards, and institutional stakeholders

Leadership Profile

• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability
• Calm, decisive, and commercially astute
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building structure where it does not yet exist
• High integrity with a collaborative, hands-on leadership style
• Excellent communicator at executive and board level

Location

This role is based in Cape Town, with occasional travel as required.