Senior Solar Farm Project Developer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary with performance bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement planning options

Generous paid time off

Remote-first work environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Solar Farm Project Developer to lead utility-scale solar projects from initiation to financial close in a fully remote role. You will identify viable sites, conduct feasibility studies, and secure land rights while navigating regulatory requirements and stakeholder engagement.

The candidate should have 6+ years in renewable energy project development, strong financial modeling, and proven success bringing projects to financial close.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required
• Master's degree is a plus
• Minimum 6 years in renewable energy project development, especially utility-scale solar
• Proven track record in originating, developing, and financing solar projects
• Strong knowledge of land acquisition, permitting, environmental reviews, and interconnection processes
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with South African renewable energy policies and market dynamics
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple remote projects

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and secure utility-scale solar sites
• Conduct feasibility studies including environmental, geotechnical, and grid interconnection assessments
• Negotiate land leases and option agreements
• Develop budgets and financial models for solar developments
• Lead permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals
• Coordinate with EPC partners through project lifecycle
• Engage communities, government agencies, and utilities
• Manage relationships with investors and lenders during financing and PPAs
• Monitor market trends, policy changes, and tech advancements
• Contribute to strategic business development and pipeline growth

Skills

Financial modeling

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Project management

Renewable energy

Site feasibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Finance, or related field

Master's degree (nice to have)

Tools

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer in the renewable energy space, is seeking a seasoned Senior Solar Farm Project Developer to join their expanding operations. This is a fully remote position, empowering you to manage and advance solar projects from initiation through to financial close, regardless of your physical location. You will be responsible for identifying promising sites, conducting thorough due diligence, securing land rights, and navigating the complex regulatory landscape to bring utility-scale solar projects to fruition. This role is critical to our mission of accelerating the transition to clean energy. As a remote-first professional, you will leverage your expertise to build relationships with stakeholders, manage consultants, and contribute significantly to our project pipeline. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for renewable energy development and possess a proven track record, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and secure sites for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.
• Conduct comprehensive site feasibility studies, including environmental, geotechnical, and grid interconnection assessments.
• Negotiate and secure land leases, purchase options, and other necessary agreements.
• Develop and manage project budgets and financial models for solar farm developments.
• Lead the process of obtaining all necessary permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partners throughout the project lifecycle.
• Engage with local communities, government agencies, and utilities to build support and facilitate project progress.
• Manage relationships with investors, lenders, and off-takers during the financing and PPA negotiation stages.
• Stay abreast of market trends, policy changes, and technological advancements in the solar industry.
• Contribute to strategic business development initiatives and pipeline growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a strong emphasis on utility-scale solar projects.
• Proven success in originating, developing, and bringing solar projects to financial close.
• In-depth knowledge of land acquisition, permitting, environmental reviews, and interconnection processes.
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills, with experience in project finance.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Familiarity with South African renewable energy policies, regulations, and market dynamics.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office productivity tools.
• A passion for renewable energy and driving sustainable development.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation package, including a strong base salary and significant performance-based bonuses tied to project success.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Retirement planning options.
• Generous paid time off policy.
• Flexibility to design your work environment and schedule as a fully remote role.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities, including workshops and conference attendance.
• Mission-driven organization making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change with autonomy and support to excel in your role.