Senior Solar Project Development Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Remote work

Training & conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a Senior Solar Project Development Manager for a fully remote role across South Africa. You will drive the entire development lifecycle from site prospecting and feasibility studies to permits and securing PPAs.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in renewable energy project development, deep knowledge of solar economics and financing, and strong stakeholder management skills. Remote work enables collaboration with local stakeholders and international teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in renewable energy project development, especially solar PV.
• Proven track record of developing and bringing solar projects to financial close.
• Knowledge of solar project economics, financing structures, and PPA negotiation.
• Familiarity with land use regulations, permitting, and environmental impact assessments.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for solar PV projects; conduct feasibility studies.
• Manage end-to-end development: land acquisition, permitting, environmental assessments.
• Develop and negotiate PPAs and other project contracts.
• Build relationships with landowners, communities, and authorities.
• Conduct market analysis and identify new business opportunities in solar energy.
• Prepare project proposals, financial models, and investment-grade assessments.
• Coordinate with EPC teams to ensure viability and alignment.
• Manage project development budgets and timelines; monitor regulatory changes.

Skills

Solar PV development

PPA negotiation

Stakeholder management

Remote project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Financial modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading renewable energy company, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Solar Project Development Manager to join their fully remote team. This position is instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and securing new solar energy projects across South Africa. You will be responsible for managing the entire development lifecycle, from initial site prospecting and feasibility studies through to obtaining permits and securing power purchase agreements (PPAs). This role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in renewable energy project development, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex processes autonomously. As a fully remote employee, you will leverage digital collaboration tools to work seamlessly with internal teams, external consultants, and local stakeholders. We are looking for a proactive individual who is passionate about driving the growth of solar energy and contributing to a sustainable future. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the renewable energy landscape from your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for solar PV projects, conducting detailed feasibility studies.
• Manage the end-to-end development process, including land acquisition, permitting, and environmental assessments.
• Develop and negotiate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and other key project contracts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, local communities, government agencies, and utilities.
• Conduct market analysis and identify new business opportunities in the solar energy sector.
• Prepare project proposals, financial models, and investment grade assessments.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) teams to ensure project viability and alignment.
• Manage project development budgets and timelines effectively.
• Stay informed about policy changes, market trends, and regulatory frameworks impacting solar development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive 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.
• In-depth knowledge of solar project economics, financing structures, and PPA negotiation.
• Familiarity with land use regulations, permitting processes, and environmental impact assessments.
• Excellent understanding of solar technology and its application in utility-scale projects.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary with an attractive bonus structure tied to project milestones and successful closures. The benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings options, and generous paid time off. This role is fully remote, providing unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. We invest in our employees' continuous learning through professional development programs, training opportunities, and conference attendance. Join our mission-driven team and play a key role in expanding clean energy access.