Lead Renewable Energy Project Developer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonus potential

Home office allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Renewable Energy Project Developer to drive the end-to-end development of solar, wind and hybrid projects from a remote setup in South Africa.

You will identify opportunities, perform feasibility studies, secure PPAs, manage budgets, and lead negotiations with landowners, utilities and off-takers while mentoring junior team members. 7–10 years of proven project development experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics or related field.
• MBA or Master's degree is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for renewable energy projects (solar, wind, storage).
• Conduct feasibility studies including resource assessments, grid interconnection analyses, and environmental evaluations.
• Develop and manage project budgets, financial models, and investment cases for new developments.
• Lead negotiations for land leases, grid connection agreements, and PPAs.
• Secure all necessary permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals.
• Build relationships with landowners, stakeholders, government agencies, and off-takers.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction and finance teams to ensure progress.
• Stay informed about market trends and policy changes in renewable energy.

Skills

Financial modeling

Project finance

Deal structuring

Negotiation

Renewable energy tech

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Finance/Economics

MBA or Master's degree (desirable)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the sustainable energy revolution, is actively seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Renewable Energy Project Developer to join their globally distributed team. This is a fully remote position, enabling top talent from across **South Africa** to contribute to impactful projects. You will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing new renewable energy development opportunities, including solar, wind, and hybrid projects. This role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of project finance, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics. You will lead the entire development lifecycle, from initial site selection and feasibility studies through to securing permits, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and final investment decisions. If you are passionate about accelerating the transition to clean energy and excel in a remote, collaborative environment, this is the ideal opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for renewable energy projects (solar, wind, storage) across diverse geographic regions.
• Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, including resource assessments, grid interconnection analyses, and environmental impact evaluations.
• Develop and manage project budgets, financial models, and investment cases for new developments.
• Lead negotiations for land leases, grid connection agreements, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
• Secure all necessary permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals for project development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, community stakeholders, government agencies, and off-takers.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, construction, and finance teams to ensure seamless project progression.
• Stay informed about market trends, policy changes, and competitive activities in the renewable energy sector.
• Manage a pipeline of development projects, ensuring timely progress and achievement of key milestones.
• Mentor and guide junior development professionals within the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, or a related field. An MBA or Master's degree is highly desirable.
• At least 7-10 years of proven experience in renewable energy project development, with a strong portfolio of successfully completed projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial modeling, project finance, and deal structuring for large-scale energy projects.
• In-depth knowledge of the regulatory and policy landscape for renewable energy in **South Africa** and potentially other African markets.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in securing complex agreements (PPAs, Grid Connections).
• Excellent understanding of renewable energy technologies (solar PV, wind, battery storage).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally for site visits and key meetings as required.

Benefits

• Highly attractive annual salary: R .
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund.
• Significant bonus potential tied to successful project development and financial close.
• Fully remote work arrangement, providing excellent work-life balance.
• Opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy in **South Africa**.
• Access to a global network of industry experts and resources.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Allowance for home office setup and connectivity.