Senior Project Developer

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 ManagementOversee 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 & SkillsBachelor’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.