Lead Solar Energy Project Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Home office setup allowance

Flexible working hours

Remote work culture

Company laptop

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Solar Energy Project Manager to drive the development and execution of large-scale solar projects from concept through handover. This remote role lets you work from anywhere in South Africa, leading engineers, technicians and site personnel in a high-performance environment.

You will own detailed plans, budgets and schedules, manage regulatory interfaces and EPC contracts, and mentor a distributed team to deliver on time, within scope and to quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management.
• Master's degree or PMP certification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in project management within the renewable energy sector, with a strong focus on solar PV projects.
• Demonstrated success in managing projects of significant scale (e.g., 50MW+).
• In-depth knowledge of solar technology, project development processes, and EPC contracts.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and project risks effectively.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Strong understanding of South African energy regulations and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end management of solar energy projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Develop detailed project plans, budgets, and schedules, and monitor progress against key milestones.
• Conduct site feasibility assessments, including resource analysis, grid connection studies, and environmental impact assessments.
• Manage project risks, identify potential issues, and implement mitigation strategies proactively.
• Lead and mentor project teams, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers, vendors, and contractors.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, local authorities, and other stakeholders to secure necessary permits and approvals.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, and environmental best practices throughout project execution.
• Report project progress and performance to senior management and key stakeholders regularly.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Master's degree

PMP certification

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Scheduling

Remote work experience

Regulatory knowledge

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Lead Solar Energy Project Manager to spearhead the development and execution of large-scale solar projects. This is a fully remote position, empowering you to work from anywhere within South Africa while making a significant impact. You will be responsible for managing all phases of solar project lifecycles, from initial conception and feasibility studies through to construction, commissioning, and handover. This role demands exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management skills. You will lead a dedicated team of engineers, technicians, and site personnel, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Our client is committed to a remote-first culture, providing you with the autonomy and resources needed to succeed. If you are passionate about driving the transition to clean energy and possess a proven track record in managing complex solar developments, this is the ideal opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end management of solar energy projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.


• Develop detailed project plans, budgets, and schedules, and monitor progress against key milestones.


• Conduct site feasibility assessments, including resource analysis, grid connection studies, and environmental impact assessments.


• Manage project risks, identify potential issues, and implement mitigation strategies proactively.


• Lead and mentor project teams, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.


• Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers, vendors, and contractors.


• Liaise with regulatory bodies, local authorities, and other stakeholders to secure necessary permits and approvals.


• Ensure adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, and environmental best practices throughout project execution.


• Report project progress and performance to senior management and key stakeholders regularly.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.


• A Master's degree or PMP certification is highly desirable.


• A minimum of 10 years of experience in project management within the renewable energy sector, with a strong focus on solar PV projects.


• Demonstrated success in managing projects of significant scale (e.g., 50MW+).


• In-depth knowledge of solar technology, project development processes, and EPC contracts.


• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and project risks effectively.


• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.


• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment.


• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).


• Strong understanding of South African energy regulations and permitting processes.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.


• Generous allowance for home office setup and continuous professional development.


• Flexible working hours and a supportive remote work culture.


• Opportunity to lead impactful projects in the rapidly growing renewable energy market.


• Contribution to a sustainable future and significant environmental impact.


• Company-provided laptop and communication tools.