Lead Solar PV Project Developer (Remote)

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote stipend for home office

Medical aid

Provident fund

Generous leave

Professional development

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting for a Lead Solar PV Project Developer to drive utility-scale and commercial solar projects from site selection through PPAs in a fully remote SA team.

You will own development lifecycles, coordinate with EPCs, and stay ahead of policy shifts shaping South Africa's solar landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced roles.
• Minimum 7+ years in solar PV project development with track record of closing projects.
• Strong understanding of solar energy markets, project finance, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new solar PV development opportunities including site evaluation and land acquisition.
• Conduct feasibility studies, financial modeling, and risk assessments for projects.
• Lead negotiation and execution of PPAs, interconnection agreements, and land leases.
• Manage relationships with landowners, local authorities, utilities, and investors.
• Develop and manage project development timelines and budgets.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

Financial modeling

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Excel

GIS tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the renewable energy sector, is actively seeking a highly experienced Lead Solar PV Project Developer to join their fully remote team. This strategic role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and bringing to fruition utility-scale and commercial solar photovoltaic projects. You will lead the entire development lifecycle, from initial site acquisition and feasibility studies to securing permits and power purchase agreements (PPAs). As a remote-first organization, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture, empowering our team members to excel regardless of their physical location. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned developer to make a significant impact on the growth of clean energy initiatives across South Africa. You will play a crucial part in shaping the future of sustainable energy generation and be an integral part of a company committed to innovation and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new solar PV project development opportunities, including site evaluation, land acquisition, and zoning compliance.
• Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, financial modeling, and risk assessments for potential projects.
• Lead the negotiation and execution of key project agreements, such as PPAs, interconnection agreements, and land leases.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including landowners, local authorities, utilities, and investors.
• Develop and maintain project development timelines and budgets, ensuring efficient progress and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) teams to ensure seamless project handover and execution.
• Stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and incentive programs impacting solar PV development.
• Prepare and present project proposals, investment memorandums, and development updates to senior management and external partners.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the development team, fostering a high-performance culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in solar PV project development, with a proven track record of successfully bringing projects to financial close.
• Strong understanding of the solar energy market, project finance, and relevant legal frameworks.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, using tools like Excel, to analyze project economics.
• Experience with GIS tools and site assessment technologies.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Deep knowledge of South African energy policy and utility regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to build and manage relationships.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Remote work stipend for home office setup and expenses.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• The chance to work on impactful projects that contribute to a sustainable future.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Strong career growth prospects within a leading renewable energy company.