Senior Solar Project Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Remote work culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Solar Project Manager to lead large-scale solar energy projects across South Africa from a fully remote setup. You will coordinate feasibility, site acquisition, construction, and commissioning while managing budgets, schedules, and stakeholder relations.

This role requires strong leadership and a track record in utility-scale solar projects. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of project management experience, 5+ years in solar PV, and familiarity with SA energy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive project management experience, with 5+ years in utility-scale solar PV.
• Proven track record of managing complex energy projects from initiation to closure.
• Strong knowledge of solar technology, development lifecycles, and construction methodologies.
• Experience with project management software (MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in a remote or distributed team environment.
• Familiarity with South African energy regulations and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of solar project development from feasibility to commissioning.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resources.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders including contractors and local authorities.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, permits, and environmental standards.
• Manage project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Track progress, prepare status reports, and communicate with senior management.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and subcontractors.
• Conduct site visits as needed (role is primarily remote).
• Foster stakeholder relationships for smooth execution and handover to operations.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

MS Project

Primavera P6

Remote work experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management or related field

PMP or equivalent certification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing force in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an accomplished Senior Solar Project Manager to join their fully remote team. This role is integral to the successful planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale solar energy projects across South Africa. As a remote-first organization, we are looking for a highly organized, proactive, and experienced individual who can effectively manage projects from conception through to completion without direct on-site supervision. You will be responsible for coordinating all project activities, managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relations, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity to lead significant renewable energy initiatives and contribute to a sustainable future from your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of solar project development, from initial feasibility studies and site acquisition to construction and commissioning.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with internal teams, including engineering, procurement, legal, and finance, as well as external stakeholders such as contractors, suppliers, and local authorities.
• Ensure projects comply with all relevant regulations, permits, and environmental standards.
• Manage project risks, identify potential issues, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Track project progress, prepare regular status reports, and communicate updates to senior management.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and subcontractors.
• Conduct site visits as necessary to oversee progress and resolve on-site challenges (though the role is primarily remote).
• Foster strong relationships with all project stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
• Ensure the successful handover of completed projects to operations and maintenance teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in project management, with at least 5 years specifically focused on utility‑scale solar PV projects.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex energy projects from initiation to closure.
• Strong understanding of solar technology, project development lifecycles, and construction methodologies.
• Excellent knowledge of project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources effectively.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with South African energy regulations and permitting processes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting experience and remote working capability.
• Comprehensive health insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a leading renewable energy company.
• A dynamic and supportive remote work culture.
• Be part of impactful projects driving the clean energy transition in South Africa.