Senior Project Developer

Pele Energy Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the energy sector is seeking a Senior Project Developer to drive strategy and manage the development of energy projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project management, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead teams. Responsibilities include securing permits, managing budgets, and developing business cases for renewable energy projects.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of project management or development experience in energy.
• Experience in power project development or financing, especially in REIPPPP.

Responsibilities

• Leading project development for wind, solar PV, and BESS projects.
• Securing permits, approvals, and licenses.
• Managing project budgets, schedules, and contractual negotiations.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Problem-Solving

Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

The Senior Project Developer will be responsible for driving strategy through the development and structuring of energy projects from early opportunity through to the development cycle and to financial close, with a focus on early-stage development portfolio management and acquisitions of early-stage sites. The role involves project development activities, business development, and maintaining key relationships with stakeholders such as customers, project developers, financiers, government authorities, landowners, and policymakers. The candidate must have or quickly develop market knowledge and the ability to create successful development plans. The ideal candidate will be smart, articulate, motivated, independent, creative, and organized, with the ability to learn technical, legal, environmental, land, and financial details quickly.

Candidates should have 5-8 years' experience in power project development or financing, especially in REIPPPP or similar procurement processes.

Responsibilities include:
- Leading project development for wind, solar PV, and BESS projects from land identification to bid-ready or ready-to-build stages.
- Securing permits, approvals, and licenses at various levels.
- Assisting with transmission rights and grid connection.
- Managing project budgets, schedules, and contractual negotiations.
- Identifying investment opportunities and managing due diligence for acquisitions.
- Developing project maps, databases, and business cases.
- Leading financial closes and managing client relationships for power purchase agreements.
- Supporting EPC and O&M contract negotiations.

Additional responsibilities include:
- Participating in proposal preparation, project tracking, and feasibility evaluations.
- Negotiating property agreements and securing third-party consents.
- Securing funding and maximizing return on investments.
- Stakeholder relationship management, including community outreach.
- Managing project teams, schedules, and budgets.
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory and governance standards.

Qualifications and skills:
- Bachelor's degree in relevant fields.
- 5-8 years of project management or development experience in energy.
- Excellent communication and technical skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and relationship management skills.

Competencies:
- Leadership: participative, planning, monitoring.
- Cognitive: analysis, attention to detail, problem-solving.
- Interpersonal: assertiveness, methodical approach, drive, flexibility, excellence orientation.