Lead Solar Project Developer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Lead Solar Project Developer to drive the growth of a renewable energy portfolio in the Western Cape, based in Stellenbosch. This senior role covers origination through financial close, including market analysis, site acquisition, feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement and contract negotiation.

You will lead complex development cycles, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with EPC partners to ensure technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field (MBA is a plus).
• Minimum 7 years of renewable energy project development experience (solar PV).
• Strong understanding of SA renewable energy policy and market dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess sites for utility-scale and distributed solar PV projects.
• Lead feasibility studies and market research to evaluate project viability.
• Negotiate and execute land leases, PPAs, and other contracts.
• Build relationships with landowners, regulators, utilities and stakeholders.
• Manage development pipeline through to financial close.
• Collaborate with EPC partners on technical feasibility and cost control.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field

MBA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dynamic and experienced Lead Solar Project Developer to drive the growth of their renewable energy portfolio in the Western Cape, based in Stellenbosch. This senior role involves identifying, evaluating, and securing new solar energy projects from origination through to financial close. You will be responsible for market analysis, site acquisition, feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, and the negotiation of key project agreements. The ideal candidate possesses a strong commercial acumen, deep understanding of the solar energy market, and a proven ability to manage complex development cycles in a competitive landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for utility-scale and distributed solar PV projects.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies to evaluate project viability and potential returns.
• Lead the negotiation and execution of land leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and other critical project contracts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, regulatory bodies, utilities, and other key stakeholders.
• Manage the development pipeline, ensuring projects progress efficiently through all stages towards financial close.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partners to ensure technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a significant focus on solar PV .
• Proven track record of successfully developing and closing solar energy projects.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy policy, regulations, and market dynamics in South Africa.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure.

Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary and significant bonus potential tied to project success.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and other employer benefits.
• Key role in shaping the future of solar energy in the Western Cape region.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career progression within a growing company.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment in Stellenbosch .