Lead Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Strategist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness benefits

Remote work flexibility

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Distributed Energy Resources Strategist to drive DER strategy, deployment, and integration in a fully remote role. You will shape grid modernization, market design, and regulatory alignment while impacting regions across North West, ZA.

The candidate should bring 10+ years in energy DERs, strong strategic, analytical, and stakeholder skills, and an advanced degree. Remote work offers flexibility with global industry engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the energy sector with DERs, microgrids, or smart grids.
• Proven experience in strategy development, market analysis and policy development for DERs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for DER deployment and integration.
• Analyze technical, economic, and regulatory implications of DER technologies and models.
• Design frameworks for optimal operation and control of aggregated DER portfolios.
• Collaborate with utilities, grid operators, technology providers, and policymakers to advance DER adoption.
• Conduct market analysis and scenario planning related to DER penetration and market evolution.
• Identify opportunities for DER services like demand response, grid services, and microgrids.
• Develop business cases and financial models to support DER investments.
• Stay updated on global trends and best practices in the DER space.
• Provide thought leadership and represent the company in industry forums on distributed energy.
• Address DER development opportunities for regions like North West, ZA.

Skills

DER strategy

Market analysis

Policy development

Grid integration

Stakeholder management

Financial modeling

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory frameworks

Communication skills

Education

Master's/PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the Energy sector, is actively seeking a Lead Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Strategist. This is a fully remote position, enabling you to contribute your expertise to the evolving energy landscape, impacting regions such as **Rustenburg, North West, ZA**. You will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative strategies for the integration and management of DERs, including solar PV, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This role requires a deep understanding of grid modernization, market design, and regulatory frameworks. You will play a crucial role in shaping how communities and industries leverage DERs to enhance energy resilience, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Your strategic vision will guide our client's approach to the decentralized energy future.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for the deployment and integration of DERs into the energy system.
• Analyze the technical, economic, and regulatory implications of various DER technologies and business models.
• Design frameworks for the optimal operation and control of aggregated DER portfolios.
• Collaborate with utilities, grid operators, technology providers, and policymakers to advance DER adoption.
• Conduct market analysis and scenario planning related to DER penetration and market evolution.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in DER services, such as demand response, grid services, and microgrids.
• Evaluate and propose suitable DER technologies and platforms for specific applications and regions.
• Develop business cases and financial models to support DER investments and initiatives.
• Stay abreast of global trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the DER space.
• Provide thought leadership and represent the company in industry forums concerning distributed energy.
• Consider the specific needs and opportunities for DER development in regions like **North West, ZA**.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the energy sector, with a strong focus on distributed energy resources, microgrids, or smart grid technologies.
• Proven experience in strategy development, market analysis, and policy development related to DERs.
• Deep understanding of DER technologies (solar PV, batteries, EVs, smart inverters) and their grid integration challenges.
• Familiarity with energy market structures, utility business models, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives.
• Experience with financial modeling and business case development for energy projects.
• Understanding of the South African energy context, particularly opportunities in provinces like **North West, ZA**, is highly valuable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including an attractive base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• As a fully remote role, you will enjoy significant flexibility and autonomy.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, a robust retirement savings plan, and extensive professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance, are provided.
• Our client cultivates an innovative and collaborative work environment.
• This role offers the unique chance to shape the future of distributed energy resources, impacting regions like **Rustenburg, North West, ZA**, from a remote location.