Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Renewable Energy

GSI Talent Solutions Pty • Full-time • Pretoria • 1w ago

Introduction

Location: Johannesburg or Cape Town
Industry: Renewable Energy | Power Generation | Infrastructure
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: Market Related / Executive Package
Reporting To: Board of Directors

An established renewable energy company is seeking an accomplished Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide strategic, operational and commercial leadership over a major solar power generation asset.

The client is specifically seeking an experienced executive who currently holds, or has previously held, a senior leadership position such as Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Country Manager or General Manager, ideally within renewable energy, power generation, utilities or infrastructure.

This is a unique opportunity for an executive who combines technical understanding, commercial acumen, contractual expertise and proven asset management experience.

The successful candidate will take overall accountability for plant performance, commercial and financial outcomes, contractor management, regulatory compliance and stakeholder relationships.

This is not a purely technical or construction-focused role. The client requires a commercially astute executive with proven experience managing an operating asset from an owner's perspective.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Lead a significant renewable energy asset within South Africa's growing power generation sector.
Take ownership of strategic, operational and commercial performance.
Work directly with the Board and key industry stakeholders.
Influence long-term asset performance, operational improvements and business sustainability.
Play a meaningful role in the country's renewable energy landscape.

For a confidential discussion or to express your interest, please email your detailed CV directly to:

matsmothlabane@gsi-talent.com

All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide overall executive leadership and accountability for the company's operations, financial performance and strategic objectives.
Oversee the operational performance, availability, reliability and optimisation of a large-scale solar PV facility.
Manage and hold Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contractors, management service providers and technical consultants accountable for performance.
Drive plant stabilisation, performance improvement, defect resolution and operational recovery initiatives.
Oversee contractual obligations, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), O&M contracts and other material project agreements.
Lead commercial negotiations, contract enforcement, dispute resolution and claims management.
Take ownership of budgets, cash flow, financial forecasts, cost optimisation and commercial performance.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, grid codes, environmental legislation and safety standards.
Maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including Eskom, NTCSA, NERSA, the IPP Office, shareholders and relevant authorities.
Lead strategic projects, contractor transitions and asset improvement initiatives.
Oversee enterprise risk management, governance and compliance.
Prepare and present executive reports, business recommendations and strategic updates to the Board.
Ensure the effective management of outsourced service providers within a lean organisational structure.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Non-Negotiable Requirements

Qualifications

Relevant degree in Engineering, Finance, Commerce, Business, Law, Project Management or Infrastructure Management.
Postgraduate qualification, such as (MBA) or Project Management (advantageous).
Professional engineering registration, such as Pr Eng. (advantageous).
Minimum 10 years of relevant substantial senior-level accountability within renewable energy, power generation, utilities or comparable infrastructure.
Proven experience in an executive or senior leadership capacity, ideally as a CEO, Managing Director, Country Manager or General Manager, or an equivalent executive position with direct asset accountability.
Demonstrated experience managing an operational renewable energy or infrastructure asset, SPV or asset portfolio.
Experience within an IPP, infrastructure investment fund, energy asset management company or power generation SPV.
Proven ability to operate at Board level, including executive reporting, strategic decision-making and corporate governance.
Previous exposure to REIPPPP projects and the South African renewable energy regulatory environment.
Proven experience in plant rehabilitation, asset turnaround, major defect recovery or O&M contractor transitions.
Experience managing a lean business structure supported by outsourced contractors and specialist advisers.

Operational & Technical Experience

Strong understanding of solar PV operations, power generation performance, plant availability and asset optimisation.
Proven experience overseeing O&M contracts, contractor performance and service delivery.
Ability to interpret technical reports, identify operational risks and drive corrective actions through specialist contractors.

Commercial & Contractual Experience

Strong working knowledge of PPAs, project finance structures and infrastructure-related commercial agreements.
Demonstrated experience managing contractual disputes, claims, variations, defects and contractor performance issues.
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cash flow management, cost control and commercial decision-making.
Experience managing external service providers and consultants while retaining executive accountability for business outcomes.

Regulatory & Stakeholder Experience

Experience engaging with Eskom/NTCSA, NERSA, the IPP Office or comparable utility and regulatory stakeholders.
Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and executive communication skills.
Ability to navigate complex operational, commercial, regulatory and governance environments.