Senior Solar Project Developer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Generous vacation and leave policy

Professional development opportunities

Travel to project sites and industry

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Senior Solar Project Developer to identify, evaluate, and secure new solar development opportunities, managing the full project lifecycle from inception to financial close.

You will build financial models, negotiate PPAs and land leases, navigate permitting and regulatory requirements, and collaborate with engineering and EPC teams to maximize project value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in renewable energy project development with solar focus.
• Proven success Originating, developing and closing solar projects.
• Expertise in financial modeling, deal structuring, and contract negotiation.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African renewable energy market and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new solar project development opportunities, including utility-scale and distributed generation.
• Conduct site assessments, feasibility studies, and preliminary project design reviews.
• Develop detailed financial models and investment cases for potential projects, optimizing returns and mitigating risks.
• Negotiate and secure land lease agreements, PPAs, and other critical project contracts.
• Manage the permitting and environmental approval processes, ensuring compliance with all local and national regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, local communities, government authorities, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) teams to ensure project viability and scope alignment.
• Stay informed about market trends, policy changes, and technological advancements impacting solar project development.

Skills

Financial modeling

Deal structuring

Contract negotiation

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Project development lifecycle

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent developer and operator of renewable energy projects, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Solar Project Developer to join our growing team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial for identifying, evaluating, and securing new solar energy development opportunities, managing the entire project lifecycle from inception to financial close. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the solar industry, strong financial modeling skills, excellent negotiation capabilities, and a proven ability to navigate complex regulatory and permitting landscapes. You will be instrumental in expanding our solar portfolio and driving significant investment in clean energy infrastructure within the region. This is a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact in a rapidly expanding sector, working with a passionate team committed to delivering impactful renewable energy solutions. The position requires a strategic mindset, a proactive approach, and a collaborative spirit to achieve ambitious development goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new solar project development opportunities, including utility-scale and distributed generation projects.
• Conduct comprehensive site assessments, feasibility studies, and preliminary project design reviews.
• Develop detailed financial models and investment cases for potential projects, optimizing returns and mitigating risks.
• Negotiate and secure land lease agreements, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and other critical project contracts.
• Manage the permitting and environmental approval processes, ensuring compliance with all local and national regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, local communities, government authorities, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) teams to ensure project viability and scope alignment.
• Stay informed about market trends, policy changes, and technological advancements impacting solar project development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a strong focus on solar PV.
• Demonstrated success in originating, developing, and closing solar energy projects.
• Expertise in financial modeling, deal structuring, and contract negotiation.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African renewable energy market, policies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in community engagement and stakeholder management is highly valued.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Generous vacation and leave policy.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Travel opportunities to project sites and industry events.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment in the vibrant region of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.