Senior Development Manager - Wind Energy

MH Solutions; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy firm in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Senior Development Manager to lead the development of utility-scale wind energy projects. The ideal candidate has over 6 years of experience in renewable energy, with a track record of taking wind projects through early-stage development. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential. This role offers a strategic opportunity to shape the future of wind energy in the region.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in renewable energy, with at least 3 years in wind project development.
• Proven track record in wind projects development to financial close.
• Deep understanding of wind project permitting and grid connection.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and securing of wind development sites.
• Oversee development budgets and schedules.
• Drive permitting strategy and manage approval processes.
• Engage with government entities for key approvals.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Negotiation

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Systems

Job description

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – WIND ENERGY – CAPE TOWN

The main purpose of the role: The Senior Wind Energy Development Manager leads the origination and early-stage development of utility-scale wind energy projects, from site identification through to financial close readiness. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of both technical and commercial drivers, capable of managing multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to unlock project value.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, screening, and securing of wind development sites, including land agreements and resource validation.
• Oversee the preparation of development budgets, schedules, and risk assessments.
• Drive permitting strategy and manage environmental and regulatory approval processes.
• Coordinate internal inputs across engineering, grid, legal, and finance to progress development milestones.
• Manage third-party consultants, including EIA teams, wind analysts, and permitting advisors.
• Engage with government entities, grid operators, and landowners to secure key approvals and agreements.
• Support commercial structuring including offtake discussions, JV structuring, and bid preparation.
• Maintain a development pipeline dashboard and report on project status to senior management and investors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Systems, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in renewable energy, with at least 3 years in wind project development.
• Proven track record of taking wind projects through early-stage development to financial close or construction.
• Deep understanding of wind project permitting, grid connection, and yield assessment.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.