Senior Solar Project Developer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive pay package

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a leading developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects in South Africa to recruit a Senior Solar Project Developer. The role is remote-first, enabling leadership of site identification, evaluation, and deal-making from a home office while remaining connected to the Vereeniging, Gauteng region.

You will drive market analysis, navigate interconnection and permitting processes, and coordinate with landowners, utilities, and government agencies to move projects to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's preferred.
• 8+ years of renewable energy project development, solar PV focus.
• Proven track record of bringing solar projects to financial close.
• Deep understanding of SA energy market, regulations, interconnection.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and project finance concepts.
• Ability to work independently and travel for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for solar PV projects.
• Negotiate land leases or purchase agreements with property owners.
• Manage interconnection applications with utilities.
• Navigate local, regional, and national permitting processes.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, and construction teams.
• Prepare proposals, financial models, and presentations.
• Stay informed about policy changes and incentives in solar development.

Skills

Project development

Solar PV

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial modeling

Market analysis

CRM software

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

CRM software

Project management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Solar Project Developer to join their fully remote team. This is a strategic role focused on identifying, evaluating, and securing new solar energy project opportunities across South Africa. You will leverage your expertise in market analysis, site acquisition, interconnection processes, and permitting to build a robust project pipeline. As a remote-first position, you must be a self-starter with exceptional negotiation and communication skills, adept at managing relationships with landowners, utilities, government agencies, and internal stakeholders. This is a unique opportunity to drive the growth of solar energy from your home office, influencing the renewable energy landscape from wherever you are based, ideally connected to the Vereeniging, Gauteng, ZA region.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for solar PV projects, considering factors like land availability, grid access, solar resource, and permitting feasibility.
• Negotiate and secure land leases or purchase agreements with property owners.
• Manage the interconnection application process with relevant utility companies.
• Navigate local, regional, and national permitting processes to obtain necessary approvals.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify strategic growth opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including landowners, government officials, and community leaders.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, and construction teams to advance projects through the development lifecycle.
• Prepare project proposals, financial models, and presentations for internal review and external partners.
• Stay informed about policy changes, incentives, and market trends affecting solar development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a strong focus on solar PV.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and bringing solar projects to financial close.
• Deep understanding of the South African energy market, regulatory environment, and interconnection processes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with project finance concepts.
• Ability to work independently, manage complex processes, and travel as needed for site visits and meetings.
• Proficiency in CRM software and project management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.

Benefits

• This role offers the significant advantage of being fully remote, providing unparalleled flexibility and autonomy.
• Our client provides a highly competitive compensation package, including a base salary and performance-based incentives tied to project success.
• You will be part of a mission-driven organization committed to expanding clean energy access and playing a vital role in the energy transition.
• We offer opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and the chance to work on impactful, large-scale solar projects.
• Join our innovative team and help shape the future of renewable energy from your remote workspace, ideally connecting with the vibrant energy sector around Vereeniging, Gauteng, ZA.