Senior Solar PV Project Developer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Remote work

Development opportunities

Company equipment

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Solar PV Project Developer for a fully remote role across South Africa. You will identify, evaluate, and secure utility-scale PV opportunities, oversee feasibility studies, permitting, PPAs, and stakeholder engagement.

You'll build financial models, manage budgets, and collaborate with EPC partners to drive projects from conception to financial close, while staying ahead of market trends and regulatory changes to grow the solar portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 5–7 years of solar PV project development experience with a proven track record.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technology, site assessment and grid interconnection.
• Experience in PPA negotiation, land acquisition and permitting processes.
• Familiarity with project finance principles and investment analysis.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines remotely.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for utility-scale and commercial solar PV projects.
• Conduct detailed feasibility studies including resource assessment and grid analysis.
• Manage the permitting process with local authorities and regulators.
• Negotiate and secure land leases and PPAs with offtakers.
• Develop relationships with landowners, community leaders, and government officials.
• Prepare project proposals, financial models, and investment memorandums.
• Collaborate with EPC partners throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay informed about market trends, policy changes, and competitive landscape.
• Manage project budgets and timelines from inception through financial close.
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives of the solar development pipeline.

Skills

Solar PV

Project development

Stakeholder management

Financial modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer of large-scale renewable energy projects, is seeking a results-oriented Senior Solar PV Project Developer to join their team. This role is offered on a fully remote basis, allowing for flexible working arrangements across South Africa. You will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing new solar photovoltaic (PV) project opportunities. This includes site selection, feasibility studies, permitting, offtake agreements, and stakeholder engagement. Your expertise will be crucial in expanding our client's solar portfolio and driving the transition towards cleaner energy. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the solar market, project finance, and development processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for utility-scale and commercial solar PV projects.
• Conduct detailed feasibility studies, including resource assessment, grid connection analysis, and preliminary environmental impact assessments.
• Manage the permitting process, working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Negotiate and secure land leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with offtakers.
• Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, including landowners, community leaders, and government officials.
• Prepare project proposals, financial models, and investment memorandums.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partners throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay informed about market trends, policy changes, and competitive landscape in the solar industry.
• Manage project budgets and timelines from inception through financial close.
• Contribute to the strategic growth initiatives of the company's solar development pipeline.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in solar PV project development, with a proven track record of successfully bringing projects to financial close.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technology, site assessment, and grid interconnection requirements.
• Experience in PPA negotiation, land acquisition, and permitting processes.
• Familiarity with project finance principles and investment analysis.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Knowledge of the South African energy market and regulatory environment is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and generous performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Flexible remote working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Significant impact on renewable energy expansion in South Africa.
• Exposure to cutting-edge solar technology and innovative project structures.
• Collaborative team environment with experienced industry professionals.
• Company-provided equipment for remote work.
• Retirement savings plan.