Portfolio Manager – Solar & BESS Assets - C&I

Smart4 Energy; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart4 Energy is seeking a Portfolio Manager to lead the performance management of a national portfolio of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System assets. This senior role focuses on client relationships, asset performance, and operational excellence, with oversight of O&M and service providers.

The successful candidate will manage a team of energy analysts and drive performance improvements across interventions, data reviews, and due diligence for renewables transactions.

Qualifications

• BSc or BEng in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Chemical, Energy Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the South African renewable energy sector.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing key client relationships.
• Strong understanding of Solar PV performance monitoring and asset management.
• Experience managing O&M contracts and service providers.
• Strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of energy analysts and technical specialists.
• Oversee the performance of a portfolio of Solar PV and BESS assets.
• Act as the senior point of contact for asset owners, facilities managers, and service providers.
• Manage and negotiate O&M agreements, SLAs, and service contracts.
• Oversee contractor performance and drive resolution of underperformance issues.
• Lead asset onboarding, monitoring, reporting, and performance optimisation initiatives.
• Review performance data, identify lost yield, and recommend improvement strategies.
• Manage incident escalation processes and ensure timely resolution of operational issues.
• Support technical due diligence, asset valuations, and broader renewable energy transactions.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Performance monitoring

O&M contract management

Asset management

Commercial acumen

Travel willingness

Education

BSc or BEng in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronic/Chemical/Energy Engineering

Tools

PV monitoring tools

SVSyst/Helioscope/PVSyst

Job description

A growing renewable energy business is seeking a Portfolio Manager to lead the performance management of a national portfolio of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) assets. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for client relationships, asset performance, O&M management, team leadership, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of energy analysts and technical specialists.
• Oversee the performance of a portfolio of Solar PV and BESS assets.
• Act as the senior point of contact for asset owners, facilities managers, and service providers.
• Manage and negotiate O&M agreements, SLAs, and service contracts.
• Oversee contractor performance and drive resolution of underperformance issues.
• Lead asset onboarding, monitoring, reporting, and performance optimisation initiatives.
• Review performance data, identify lost yield, and recommend improvement strategies.
• Manage incident escalation processes and ensure timely resolution of operational issues.
• Support technical due diligence, asset valuations, and broader renewable energy transactions.

Requirements

• BSc or BEng in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Chemical, Energy Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience within the South African renewable energy sector.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing key client relationships.
• Strong understanding of Solar PV performance monitoring and asset management.
• Experience managing O&M contracts and service providers.
• Strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel.

Preferred

• Professional Registration (Pr.Eng or Pr.Tech Eng).
• Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Knowledge of PVsyst, PVSOL or Helioscope.
• Exposure to wheeling, SCADA, telemetry systems, and renewable energy regulations.