Vp Of Project Development Manager

Job Description Seeking a strategic leader to drive the growth of our energy solutions business within the Southern Africa region. The role leads all aspects of wheeling and complex project development for regional operations, from early-stage site identification through to commercial commitments and handover to execution teams. Based in Johannesburg with travel to industry events, partner sites, and customer meetings as required. Key Result Areas and Responsibilities KRA 1 : Lead the development of off-site (wheeling) power projects in the region Develop a decision-gating framework for wheeling projects suitable for solar, wind, and energy storage assets. Build and maintain a pipeline of potential project sites with land developers and other partners. Prioritize sites using business needs, capacity (MW), interconnection, permitting status, and other criteria. Conduct site acquisitions and secure preferred sites. Collaborate with the business development team to ensure project development aligns with MW scale, location, and customer needs. Coordinate with Project Management for permitting, interconnection agreements, and EPC / O&M arrangements. Leverage the Design team for yield analysis and costing of each site. Ensure development is forward-looking and robust to regulatory changes; optimize sites for cost of power (LCOE) and returns. Lead negotiations in the development phase (EPCs, advisors’ fees, etc.) and manage project risks with proposed mitigations. Provide valuation, due diligence guidance to the CFO and corporate finance team. Engage in networking to build relationships with potential customers and identify opportunities. Serve as the project or market champion, overseeing development from inception to order entry. Recruit and onboard team members as needed; provide regular progress updates to leadership. Support annual planning, including development budgets and capital investment timing. KRA 2 : Ensure all projects are strong investments approved by the Investment Committee Collaborate with legal and finance to ensure developments are bankable long-term investments. Prepare Investment Committee packages (IC papers and executive presentations) outlining benefits and risks. Support Board / IC presentations for developed projects. KRA 3 : Communicate and promote the organization in the Southern Africa market Leverage networking, social media, industry events, and proactive outreach to identify opportunities and convert them into partnerships. Establish relationships with industry leaders to raise strategic market awareness. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Renewable Energy, or a related field. 8–10 years of experience in project development within the renewable energy sector (solar, wind, or energy storage). Proven experience with land acquisition, permitting, and interconnection processes. Strong understanding of regional regulatory frameworks and energy market dynamics. Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, including lenders and regulators. Experience developing financial models and supporting investment committee presentations. Excellent negotiation, project management, and communication skills. Preferred : Master’s degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Business Administration (MBA). Experience managing wheeling projects or large-scale renewable energy projects. Experience working within international or multicultural teams. Functional Competencies Project Development Expertise : In-depth knowledge of land acquisition, permitting, interconnection, and project finance. Stakeholder Management : Ability to build and maintain relationships with customers, regulators, lenders, and partners. Negotiation Skills : Proven ability to negotiate contracts with EPCs, lenders, and advisors. Financial Acumen : Ability to evaluate financial models, understand investment risks, and support board-level presentations. Regulatory Knowledge : Strong understanding of regional energy regulations and market dynamics. Risk Management : Identifies potential risks and implements effective mitigation strategies. Cross-Functional Collaboration : Works effectively across teams to align project goals and timelines. Communication : Clear in presenting technical and financial information to internal and external stakeholders. Core Competencies Leadership : Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team. Communication : Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of explaining complex financial concepts to diverse audiences. Problem-Solving : Analytical and creative, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions. Results-Orientation : Proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced environment. Special Note : This job description outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications for this role. It is not exhaustive and may evolve as the organization’s needs change. Additional duties may be assigned as required to meet business goals. #J-18808-Ljbffr