Energy Project Developer - Renewables

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

Flexible working arrangements in the R

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Energy Project Developer in KwaZulu-Natal, based in Richards Bay or nearby. This hybrid role blends field development with office planning to identify, evaluate, and secure solar and wind sites.

You will lead landowner negotiations, navigate environmental permitting, coordinate grid connection applications, and engage with stakeholders and regulators to grow our renewable energy portfolio in the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in project development, preferably renewable energy.
• Proven track record securing energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of SA energy policy, regulations, grid infrastructure.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• GIS experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Identify sites for solar and wind projects considering feasibility and grid access.
• Negotiate land leases and acquisition agreements with landowners.
• Manage permitting including environmental assessments and approvals.
• Coordinate with utilities on grid connection requirements.
• Develop business cases and financial models for projects.
• Engage stakeholders and present proposals to committees.
• Monitor milestones and drive timely progression.

Skills

Landowner negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Project development

GIS mapping

Financial modeling

Regulatory knowledge

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business

Tools

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding developer of renewable energy infrastructure, is seeking a talented Energy Project Developer to be based in or near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This **hybrid** role combines field-based development activities with office-based strategic planning. You will be instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and securing sites for new solar and wind energy projects. Your responsibilities will include landowner negotiation, environmental permitting, grid connection applications, and engaging with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies. This position requires a proactive individual with strong commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the South African energy landscape. You will play a key part in expanding our client's renewable energy portfolio and contributing to the clean energy transition in KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for solar and wind energy projects, considering technical feasibility, grid access, and environmental factors.
• Negotiate land leases and acquisition agreements with landowners.
• Manage the permitting process, including environmental impact assessments and securing necessary approvals from local and national authorities.
• Liaise with utility companies regarding grid connection applications and requirements.
• Develop business cases and financial models for new projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and industry partners.
• Prepare and present project proposals to investment committees and senior management.
• Monitor project development milestones and ensure timely progression.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project development, preferably within the renewable energy sector.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and securing energy projects.
• Strong understanding of South African energy policy, regulations, and grid infrastructure.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with GIS mapping and site assessment tools is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse range of development activities.
• Willingness to travel within the Richards Bay region and occasionally beyond.
• Knowledge of solar and wind technologies is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Be part of a company driving the sustainable energy revolution.
• Flexible working arrangements in the Richards Bay area.