Project Manager - Solar Farm Development

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Career advancement

Company vehicle

Travel allowances

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Project Manager to lead the development and execution of large-scale solar farm projects around Cape Town. You will oversee all phases from conception and site selection to construction, commissioning, and handover.

The role requires a proven track record in engineering project management, strong stakeholder management, and deep knowledge of solar technology, grid connections, and PPAs. This is an on-site role with competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical) or related field.
• PMP certification is desirable.
• 7+ years in project management, 5+ years in renewable energy projects (solar).
• Experience managing projects with budgets > R50 million.
• Strong knowledge of solar technology, grid connection, and PPAs.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of solar farm projects to deliver on time, on budget, and with high quality.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets; monitor progress and risks.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, suppliers and regulators.
• Secure permits, licenses and approvals for project development.
• Oversee site selection, feasibility studies, and land acquisition processes.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations throughout.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

MS Project/Primavera

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

Our client is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to spearhead the development and execution of large-scale solar farm projects in and around Cape Town . This role is crucial for expanding our client's renewable energy portfolio and contributing to sustainable energy infrastructure. You will be responsible for overseeing all phases of project lifecycle, from initial conception and site selection through to construction, commissioning, and handover. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in managing complex engineering projects, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a deep understanding of the renewable energy market, particularly solar technology, within the Western Cape region. This is a key position requiring strong leadership and a commitment to delivering impactful projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of solar farm projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets, tracking progress and identifying potential risks.
• Coordinate and liaise with internal teams, external contractors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Secure necessary permits, licenses, and approvals for project development.
• Oversee site selection, feasibility studies, and land acquisition processes for new solar installations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical), Construction Management, or a related field.
• PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with at least 5 years focused on renewable energy projects , specifically solar.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects with budgets exceeding R50 million .
• Strong understanding of solar technology, grid connection requirements, and power purchase agreements.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary package with annual performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a leading energy company .
• Exposure to large-scale, impactful renewable energy initiatives in the Cape Town area.
• Company vehicle and travel allowances for site visits.