Senior Project Manager - Renewable Energy Development

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Project Manager to lead the development of large-scale solar and wind projects in and around Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role demands strategic thinking, a proven track record in concept-to-close delivery, and expertise in permits, PPAs, and budgets.

This hybrid role offers remote work with on-site collaboration in Vereeniging. You will drive site acquisition, stakeholder engagement, financial modeling, and EPC oversight, delivering projects on time,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years in project development with at least 5 years in renewable energy.
• Experience in land acquisition, permitting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of renewable energy project development from feasibility to close.
• Oversee land rights acquisition, permits, and regulatory approvals.
• Build relationships with landowners, communities, and government bodies.
• Negotiate PPAs and key project contracts.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and financial models.
• Oversee EPC contractor selection and management.
• Ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with high quality.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation planning.
• Prepare proposals and reports for senior management and investors.
• Monitor market trends and policy changes affecting projects.

Skills

Renewable energy dev

Project leadership

PPA negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Financial modeling

Project finance knowledge

Negotiation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Finance/Business

Master's degree or MBA preferred

Tools

Project management software

Financial modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a seasoned Senior Project Manager to lead the development of large-scale solar and wind projects in and around Vereeniging, Gauteng . This challenging role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects from conception through to financial close and construction. You will be responsible for site acquisition, permitting, stakeholder engagement, PPA negotiation, and managing development budgets. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, deep knowledge of renewable energy technologies, and extensive experience in project finance and development. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to work remotely for a portion of the week while collaborating closely with the team in Vereeniging . Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to accelerating South Africa's transition to clean energy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of renewable energy project development, including site assessment, feasibility studies, and due diligence.
• Manage the acquisition of land rights and secure all necessary permits and regulatory approvals.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with landowners, local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Negotiate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and other key project contracts.
• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and financial models.
• Oversee the selection and management of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for all development activities.
• Prepare project proposals, presentations, and reports for senior management and investors.
• Stay abreast of market trends, policy changes, and technological advancements in the renewable energy sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project development, with at least 5 years specifically focused on renewable energy projects (solar, wind).
• Demonstrated success in managing complex, multi-million Rand renewable energy development projects.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, project finance, and PPA structures.
• Proven experience with land acquisition, permitting, and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership abilities and experience managing diverse project teams.
• Proficiency in project management software and financial modeling tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing remote work with essential on-site collaboration.
• Willingness to travel as required within Gauteng and potentially other provinces.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based incentives, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous retirement fund. You will have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that contribute significantly to South Africa's energy transition. Professional development and continuous learning are strongly encouraged. The hybrid work arrangement provides a good work-life balance. Be part of a passionate team driving innovation in the renewable energy space in Vereeniging and across the country.