Lead Solar Project Developer

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 2,500,000 - 3,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary with performance bonus

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development support

Leadership opportunities in high‑impac

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Solar Project Developer to lead the full lifecycle of utility-scale solar projects from site acquisition to financing in Centurion, Gauteng. The role requires strategic leadership, deep solar market knowledge, and strong financial acumen.

You will negotiate PPAs, manage land agreements, and drive permitting with cross-functional teams, while mentoring junior colleagues and coordinating with regulators and investors to secure favorable

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10–12+ years of proven renewable energy project development experience, focusing on solar PV.
• Proven track record of originating and bringing projects to financial close.
• Strong financial modeling skills and understanding of project finance.
• Excellent negotiation, contracting (PPAs, land agreements) and stakeholder engagement.
• In-depth knowledge of South Africa's solar permitting, grid interconnection, and land acquisition processes.
• Willingness to travel for site visits and negotiations.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and originate utility-scale and commercial solar PV opportunities.
• Lead site selection analysis, resource assessment, grid interconnection, and land acquisition.
• Develop detailed financial models and assess economic viability including PPAs.
• Lead negotiations for land leases, PPAs, and project contracts.
• Manage permitting and regulatory approvals.
• Build relationships with landowners, authorities, utilities, and lenders.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and legal teams to ensure feasibility.
• Prepare investment memorandums and present to senior management and investors.
• Monitor market trends, policy changes, and competitor activity.
• Mentor junior team members and provide strategic direction.

Skills

Strategic project development

Financial modeling

PPAs negotiation

Land and permitting

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Solar Project Developer to lead the full lifecycle of utility-scale solar projects from site acquisition to financing in Centurion, Gauteng. The role requires strategic leadership, deep solar market knowledge, and strong financial acumen.

You will negotiate PPAs, manage land agreements, and drive permitting with cross-functional teams, while mentoring junior colleagues and coordinating with regulators and investors to secure favorable