Principal 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

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering developer in the renewable energy landscape, is looking for a highly experienced Principal Solar Project Developer to join their esteemed team in Centurion, Gauteng . This senior role is paramount to identifying, evaluating, and securing new solar energy project opportunities. You will be responsible for driving the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and site acquisition to securing permits and financing. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of the solar energy market, strong financial acumen, and exceptional negotiation skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of solar energy in the region and contribute to significant environmental and economic advancements. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with a significant presence in our Centurion, Gauteng office.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and originate new utility-scale and commercial solar PV project opportunities.
• Conduct comprehensive site selection analysis, including resource assessment, grid interconnection feasibility, and land acquisition.
• Develop detailed project financial models and assess economic viability, including PPA analysis and financing structures.
• Lead negotiations for land leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and key project contracts.
• Manage the permitting process, ensuring all regulatory and environmental approvals are obtained.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, local authorities, utilities, and financial institutions.
• Collaborate closely with internal engineering, construction, and legal teams to ensure project feasibility and alignment.
• Prepare compelling investment memorandums and present project proposals to senior management and potential investors.
• Monitor market trends, policy changes, and competitive activities within the solar energy sector.
• Provide strategic direction and mentorship to junior members of the project development team.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of proven experience in project development, specifically within the renewable energy sector, with a strong emphasis on solar PV.
• Demonstrated success in originating, developing, and bringing to financial close multiple solar energy projects.
• Exceptional financial modeling skills and a deep understanding of project finance, debt, and equity structures.
• Strong negotiation and contracting expertise, particularly in PPAs and land agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of solar technology, site assessment, grid interconnection processes, and permitting requirements in South Africa.
• Excellent strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders.
• Ability to travel as required for site visits and negotiations.
• A strong network within the South African energy industry is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly attractive base salary and significant performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical, disability, and life insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan contributions.
• Exceptional opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• The chance to lead high-impact solar projects that contribute to a sustainable energy future.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment based in Centurion, Gauteng .
• Support for ongoing industry education and professional certifications.
• Significant influence on the strategic direction of renewable energy development for the company.