Energy Project Development Manager

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Professional development opportunities

Travel allowances

Hybrid work model

Diverse project portfolio

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Energy Project Development Manager to lead renewable energy initiatives in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will drive site identification, feasibility, regulatory approvals, and financing, ensuring projects progress from concept to close.

The role blends on-site field work with remote office activities, requiring strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and a deep energy sector understanding across solar, wind, and biomass.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous for seniority and scope.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate renewable energy sites and opportunities.
• Conduct feasibility studies: technical, economic, environmental.
• Develop and manage project development plans, timelines, budgets.
• Secure permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals.
• Negotiate land leases, PPAs, and supply contracts.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with landowners, regulators, utilities, communities.
• Lead financial modeling and secure project financing with advisors.
• Oversee EPC tendering and ensure construction readiness.
• Monitor market trends, policy changes and competition.

Skills

Project development

Financial modeling

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Regulatory navigation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/Finance

Master's degree (advantageous)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Energy Project Development Manager to spearhead the identification, evaluation, and execution of renewable energy projects in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region. This hybrid role requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to navigate the complexities of project finance, regulatory approvals, and stakeholder engagement. You will be responsible for managing the entire project lifecycle, from initial site assessment and feasibility studies through to financial close and construction readiness. The ideal candidate possesses strong commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the energy sector, particularly in renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and biomass. This position offers a blend of on-site field work and remote office-based activities, providing a dynamic and flexible working arrangement. Join a forward-thinking company committed to expanding clean energy infrastructure and driving sustainable development.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential sites and opportunities for renewable energy projects.
• Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, including technical, economic, and environmental assessments.
• Develop and manage project development plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Secure necessary permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals.
• Negotiate and finalize key project agreements, including land leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and supply contracts.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders, including landowners, government agencies, utilities, and community groups.
• Lead financial modeling and secure project financing in collaboration with finance teams and external advisors.
• Oversee the tendering process for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services.
• Ensure projects are developed to meet investment criteria and construction readiness.
• Stay informed about market trends, policy changes, and competitive landscapes in the energy sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in energy project development, with a strong focus on renewable energy projects.
• Demonstrated success in managing projects from conception to financial close.
• Strong understanding of project finance, PPA structures, and energy market dynamics.
• Proven ability to navigate regulatory frameworks and secure permits.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and project evaluation techniques.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and external consultants.
• Ability to travel within the region and occasionally internationally.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and risk mitigation.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of up to ZAR.
• Performance-based bonuses and project success incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry networking.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance of site and office flexibility.
• Travel allowances and expenses covered.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of renewable energy projects.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Contribution to impactful sustainable energy initiatives.
• Potential for career growth within a leading energy development company.