Lead Solar Project Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Centurion; Remote; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with performance‐dr

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

Generous paid time off and holidays

Retirement savings plan with company 4

Professional development opportunities

Fully remote work arrangement

Impact on renewable energy growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Solar Project Manager to drive end-to-end solar initiatives in South Africa. This remote-first role oversees utility-scale and commercial projects from feasibility to handover, with emphasis on delivering on time and within budget.

You will lead cross-functional teams, manage procurement, risk, safety, and stakeholder alignment while maintaining strong client communication. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of PM experience in solar, PMP preferred, with a proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive project management, with 5+ years in solar (utility-scale or C&I).
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects remotely.
• Strong knowledge of solar PV, EPC, and O&M considerations.
• Experience with MS Project, Primavera P6 or Asana.
• PMP or equivalent PM certification preferred.
• Experience leading remote teams and digital collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of solar energy projects, ensuring delivery against scope, schedule, and budget.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and stakeholder management.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Engage with clients, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and address project requirements.
• Manage procurement processes, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring.
• Implement robust project controls to track progress, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all projects comply with safety regulations, quality standards, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and drive continuous improvement in project management practices.
• Manage budgets, financial forecasts, and reporting for all assigned projects.
• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks and challenges to ensure successful outcomes.

Skills

Project leadership

Remote team management

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PMP or equivalent certification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Asana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Solar Project Manager to spearhead ambitious solar energy initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within **South Africa**. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of utility-scale and commercial solar projects, from conceptualization and feasibility studies through to design, construction, commissioning, and handover. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a proven track record in delivering complex projects on time and within budget, driving the company's mission towards a sustainable energy future. This remote-first role emphasizes strong communication, exceptional organizational skills, and a deep understanding of project lifecycles in the solar industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of solar energy projects, ensuring successful delivery against defined scope, schedule, and budget.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and stakeholder management.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Engage with clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and address project requirements.
• Manage procurement processes, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring.
• Implement robust project controls to track progress, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all projects comply with safety regulations, quality standards, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and drive continuous improvement in project management practices.
• Manage budgets, financial forecasts, and reporting for all assigned projects.
• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks and challenges to ensure successful outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive project management experience, with at least 5 years specifically focused on solar energy projects (utility-scale and/or C&I).
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technology, project development, EPC processes, and O&M considerations.
• Demonstrated experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana).
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is highly preferred.
• Experience in remote team management and digital collaboration tools.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability in all project aspects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote work arrangement.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth of renewable energy.