Project Development Manager (Renewables)

Petroplan are pleased to be recruiting for a Project Development Manager based in Johannesburg on behalf of a leading independent power producer with a majority share in more than 2.2GW of power projects in operation or in construction in Africa.

Alongside its operational renewable and gas to power projects, our client has a significant focus on new renewable power projects in Southern Africa, particularly South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Namibia where they are growing a portfolio of early-stage development assets.

The role would focus on growing the renewable energy portfolio of projects under development in Southern Africa and requires an enthusiastic, organised problem solver to take charge of managing the project development and permitting activities. The aim is to deliver high quality projects to a construction ready phase. This can be achieved by originating entirely greenfield projects and managing development partners, safeguarding our client's interests through the development process or purchasing new partially or fully developed projects.

The candidate would manage the entire project pipeline within the defined Southern African geography, establish project management processes, detailed budgets, project scheduling and trackers to successfully guide the development process in a cost efficient and pragmatic fashion. Manage all key stakeholders, and report internally on the status of developments, manage development budget requests, and internal due diligence processes.

Main responsibilities

• Assess feasibility and track all project opportunities, critically analysing their potential to meet strategic targets
• Lead preparation, submission and successful receipt of project permits including Environmental applications, civil aviation, land use, grid connection, other planning permits.
• Negotiate land lease agreements with landowners and manage resource measurement campaigns
• Manage development consultant scopes, appointments, and delivery.
• Conduct site visits, engage with relevant stakeholders across South Africa and the region.
• Detailed budget build ups, tracking, expense tracking and reporting.
• Compiling and presenting projects for internal reports and co-ordinating forums for key development decisions.
• Developing and refining market strategies and positions with key team members.
• Lead projects through all aspects of the development life cycle from inception to financial close

Skills / Competencies

• Outstanding organisational skills and project management experience.
• Detailed project development experience in renewable energy (wind and Solar PV).
• Knowledge of battery energy storage and experience in practically working with battery storage projects.
• Required to have participated in detailed competitive tender submissions.
• Excellent budgeting and budget tracking and reporting skills.
• Strong negotiation experience on land agreements.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and critical thinking.
• Problem solving and an individual who show initiative to take on challenges and find solutions.
• Strong English written and verbal business communication skills.
• Skilled in MS word, excel, power point and MS project required.

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

• Experience and understanding of the Solar PV and Wind energy technology is critical with experience of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Program or similar recent competitive tender required.
• Education in one or several of the following fields is preferred:
• A minimum undergraduate degree in Town Planning, Environmental Science, Law, or Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical), is preferred;
• A minimum 5-years work experience, with outstanding experience in energy infrastructure development (preferably renewable power) development, and permitting activities.
• Additional spoken languages are beneficial, especially: Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Portuguese

Petroplan is the trusted, specialist global Talent Solutions partner of choice for employers and professionals in the Energy sector. Since 1976, Petroplan has been here to help people like you make the most of the opportunities available and find the best fit for you as an individual.

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