Vice President Of Project Development - Renewable Energy Development

Vice President of Project Development - Renewable Energy Development

The Vice President of Project Development will play a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy projects in South Africa, with a strong focus on off-site (wheeling) power projects. This leadership position involves land acquisition, permitting, interconnection agreements, and stakeholder negotiations, ensuring projects are commercially viable and aligned with YDE's strategic vision.

The role requires close collaboration with Business Development, Design, Finance, Legal, Risk, and Project Management teams, as well as external stakeholders such as customers, regulators, and industry partners.

While our South Africa HQ is in Johannesburg, we are also open to candidates based in Cape Town who are willing to travel as needed.

About Yellow Door Energy

Yellow Door Energy (YDE) is the leading sustainable energy partner for businesses, serving commercial and industrial customers across the Middle East and Africa. Our solar and energy efficiency solutions help businesses reduce energy costs, improve power reliability, and lower carbon emissions. Backed by Actis, IFC, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and The Arab Energy Fund (TAEF), we are committed to driving the renewable energy transition.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the development of off-site (wheeling) power projects in South Africa.
2. Formulate the decision gating framework for YDE wheeling projects in South Africa suitable for solar, wind, and BESS asset installation.
3. Work with current and new land developers to maintain a pipeline of potential project sites.
4. Use framework to prioritize project sites based on the needs of the business, MW capacity, interconnection availability, permitting status, etc.
5. Negotiate the acquisition of the preferred sites.
6. Work proactively with the business development team to ensure our development reflects the MW scale, location, and type of power needed by our current and future customers.
7. Leverage the capabilities of the Project Management team for the permitting, interconnection agreements, and EPC / O&M arrangements.
8. Leverage the capabilities of the Design team for yield and costing of each project site.
9. Ensure that all development is future-proof considering possible regulation changes.
10. Ensure that all development is future-proof, and that sites generate the highest returns possible by minimizing the levelized cost of power from each site.
11. Take an active role in all relevant negotiations in the development phase including EPCs, advisors' fees, etc.
12. Identify project risks, recommend solutions, and provide feedback to executive management.
13. Provide valuation and due diligence guidance to YDE's CFO and corporate finance team.
14. Actively participate in networking activities, building relationships with potential new customers, and identifying opportunities for the business.
15. Act as the project or market champion within YDE, leading all aspects of the business and project development from the initial stages through order entry.
16. When required, hire team members to support responsibilities.
17. Provide regular updates on project progress as required by managers and YDE leadership.
18. Provide support to annual planning including development budgets and timing of Capital Investments.
19. Ensure all projects are strong investments approved by the IC.
20. Work closely with the legal and finance team to ensure all developments are bankable long-term investments.
21. Work with the Risk team to develop an Investment Committee package that includes the formal IC paper as well as a presentation to explain the broader benefits and risks of all projects.
22. Support Board / IC presentations on the developed projects.
23. Communicate and promote YDE in the South African market.
24. Leverage networking opportunities, social media, industry events, and cold outreach to uncover opportunities and turn them into long-term partnerships.
25. Establish key relationships with industry and thought leaders, creating strategic awareness in the market.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Energy Policy, Renewable Energy, or a related field.
2. 8–10 years of experience in project development within the renewable energy sector (solar, hybrid, and / or energy storage).
3. Proven track record in land acquisition, permitting, and interconnection agreements.
4. Strong understanding of South African energy regulations and market trends.
5. Experience in stakeholder engagement, including lenders, regulators, and government entities.
6. Financial modeling proficiency, with experience supporting investment committee approvals.
7. Strong negotiation and project management skills.
8. Master's degree in Business (MBA), Finance, Renewable Energy, or Energy Policy.
9. Experience in wheeling projects and large-scale renewable energy developments.
10. Multinational or cross-cultural team experience.

Functional Competencies

1. Project Development Mastery – Expertise in land acquisition, permitting, and interconnection.
2. Stakeholder Engagement – Ability to navigate discussions with regulators, customers, and partners.
3. Negotiation & Financial Acumen – Strong ability to structure contracts and assess financial models.
4. Regulatory Knowledge – Deep understanding of South African energy policies and market trends.
5. Risk Management – Strategic identification and mitigation of project risks.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration – Effective engagement with Business Development, Finance, and Operations teams.

Core Competencies

1. Leadership & Influence – Inspires teams and drives project execution.
2. Strategic Thinking – Proactively identifies market opportunities.
3. Problem-Solving – Analytical mindset with a solutions-driven approach.
4. Results-Oriented – Demonstrated success in high-pressure environments.

Why Join Yellow Door Energy?

1. Impactful Work – Drive South Africa's clean energy transition and sustainable growth.
2. Career Growth – Be part of an industry leader backed by top-tier global investors.
3. Dynamic Team – Work with an international, mission-driven team passionate about renewable energy.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply now and help us power a sustainable future!

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you do not hear from us, we regret to inform you that your application has not been successful on this occasion.