Responsible for leading the full Project Development lifecycle of utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, ensuring strategic alignment, financial viability, and regulatory compliance from concept to Financial Close.
Position of the job in the organisation:
The Senior Project Developer will report directly to the Head of Project Development.
Principal responsibilities:
Driving Project Development Execution
- Responsible for Project Development of Utility scale solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.
- Establish and coordinate the cross-functional Project Development team.
- Lead routine and ad hoc project team meetings, facilitating collaboration, collective problem solving and task management.
- Lead and be responsible for Due Diligence studies.
- Identify and assess project risks, implementing mitigation strategies and maintaining risk registers.
- Management of the relationship between SAE and external developers.
- Identify potential sites for development projects and conduct feasibility studies to assess suitability. Support business development by identifying partnerships and opportunities for project acquisitions, joint ventures, or portfolio expansion.
- Provision of leadership and mentoring to the Project Development Team.
Project Management
- Oversee project development, from inception to Financial Close.
- Initial planning and scheduling of the Project Development lifecycle.
- Preparation of progress reports, including financial updates, permitting status, and schedule tracking.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, contracts, permits, and compliance records.
- Ensure compliance with internal reporting requirements and external regulatory obligations.
- Formally hand over to Project Lead for construction at conclusion of Financial Close.
- Lead Due Diligence (DD) assignments of projects developed by other developers and present the DD findings to SAE management
- Oversee the appointment and management of external design consultants required for the development of Eskom Cost Estimate Letters and Budget Quotations.
Finance, Budget & Risk Management
- Develop and manage project development budgets, including cost estimates, financial models, and funding strategies.
- Compile project approval documentation as required by the development process.
- Collaborate with finance and investment teams to optimize project financial structures.
- Identify and manage all project development risks, including a formal risk register, mitigation activities, and escalations.
Permitting & Regulatory Requirements
- Navigate regulatory requirements and obtain necessary permits for project advancement.
- Liaise with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with environmental impact assessments, land use permits, and zoning regulations.
- Develop strategies to streamline the permitting process and mitigate delays.
- Stay informed on market trends, policy developments, and emerging technologies to inform project strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Manage relationships with landowners, investors, contractors, regulators, and local communities.
- Liaise with internal and external specialists including Compliance, Legal, Environmental, and Finance.
- Maintain open communication channels with stakeholders throughout the project development lifecycle, addressing concerns and resolving conflicts.
- Negotiate and secure land leases or purchase agreements with landowners and stakeholders, considering solar resource availability, land use regulations, and environmental factors.
- Contribute to the Project Development Team’s continuous improvement efforts and perform any other job duties associated with this role.
Experience & Skills
- Bachelor’s in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (such as environmental, geography, finance or urban/town planning); a master's is a plus.
- 10+ years’ experience of project management, project team leadership, and stakeholder management.
- 5+ years of working experience in renewable energy project development, focusing on utility-scale projects.
- Skilled in project management with either a PMP or a SACMPMP.
- Exposure to IPP models, project finance, deal negotiation and closure, project bids and acquisitions, different contract types including FIDIC.
- Valid driver's license and the ability to travel within South Africa and across Africa as required.
Specific attributes:
- Successful project development team management of utility scale solar and BESS projects from Pre-Feasibility to Financial Closure.
- Experience negotiating land leases and handling complex stakeholder discussions.
- Problem-solving skills to keep projects on track.
- Strong leadership and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in budgeting, financial models, and securing financing.
- Experience in development, implementing and maintain high-level project development schedules.
Desirable attributes:
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including landowners, investors, regulatory bodies and contractors.
- Adaptable and resilient in dynamic environments.
- Strategic thinker with a focus on growth opportunities.
- A strong people person with team leadership and collaboration skills.
- Awareness of advancements in solar and BESS technologies and innovative solutions.
- Knowledge of Eskom grid application processes and requirements.
- Ability to liaise with specialists to navigate the regulatory requirements.
- Identify and flag project development risks or delays and proactively work with the team and/or stakeholders to mitigate or resolve issues.
- Attention to detail.
What Does Success Look Like?
By Month 3,
- I will have a solid understanding of our internal software systems and processes.
- I will proficiently manage project development budgets, financial models, and reports using relevant software.
- I will have completed quarterly reviews on project development progress, finances, and stakeholder engagement.
- I will be well-versed in key project development methods and clearly understand our goals.
- I will lead multiple Project Development Team’s.
By Month 6,
- I will be overseeing Project Development activities.
- I will have established project development budgets, detailed cost estimates, financial models, and identified funding strategies.
- I will be actively managing relationships with key stakeholders (landowners, investors, contractors, regulators).
- I can present a comprehensive risk management plan, including mitigation strategies and updated risk registers.
- I can report on project progress, financials, permits, and stakeholder engagement, with accurate documentation.
- I will lead the Project Development Team which will have successfully commenced financial close.
By Month 12,
- I can demonstrate that all necessary permits and approvals have been secured, with clear regulatory strategies in place.
- I will have successfully reached financial close on at least one Project.
Core Values:
We hire, reward, and recognise our team against these values. It is imperative that you believe in these values and demonstrate them consistently.
- We are passionate and proud of what we do.
- We communicate candidly, especially when it is difficult.
- We take the initiative, share our mistakes, and grow together.
- We are dependable and take accountability.
- No one person is bigger than the solution - no egos.
