Project Director – Off-Grid Solar Pv And Bess

Department : EnergyLocation : South AfricaDescriptionAllied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact. High-Level Overview Client : Client is an Africa-focused renewable energy developer and independent power producer delivering clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions for industrial and public-sector clients. The organisation develops, finances, and operates grid-tied and off-grid solar and storage systems across Southern Africa, with a strong focus on water, agriculture, and mining value chains. Project : The client is seeking a Project Director to lead the delivery of a 45 MW (total) off-grid solar and battery energy storage project across three units in Limpopo. The Project Director holds overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the project — with full accountability for the project's cost, schedule, quality, and safety performance, while ensuring alignment with the client's strategic, contractual, and governance frameworks. The Project Director also chairs the Project Steering Committee, provides executive leadership across all delivery functions, and serves as the principal interface between the End-User, Client Exco and Board, and key stakeholders. The role demands strategic vision, technical and commercial mastery, and decisive leadership to ensure safe, profitable, and sustainable project delivery. Role and Responsibilities Role : Project Director – Off-Grid Solar PV and BESS Direct Report : Chief Operating Officer and Board Candidates Required : 1 Key Deliverables 1. Strategic Leadership & Governance: Define and implement the project execution strategy, governance structure, and reporting cadence within the first 30 days. Chair the Project Steering Committee and ensure transparent decision-making across the client, end-user, delivery partners, and funders. Approve and maintain the integrated baseline schedule, budget, and resourcing; keep variance within ±5% of approved targets. Provide monthly performance reports to Exco and Board on progress, KPI delivery, ESG metrics, and financial forecast accuracy = 95%, contributing insights to portfolio-level decision-making. Enforce governance, audit, and compliance standards to ensure integrity and accountability across all project activities. 2. Project Preparation (contingent on start date): Lead outstanding project-preparation activities to meet all technical, commercial, and regulatory preconditions for construction start. Align delivery partners, contractors, and the end-user on final EPC, O&M, and financing arrangements. Oversee geotechnical, topographical, and hydrological assessments, integrating findings into final design and risk plans. Verify permitting close-out, land access, and environmental compliance, and finalise site-readiness and logistics plans to ensure smooth mobilisation prior to Notice to Proceed. 3. Commercial & Contract Management: Hold full P&L accountability for project delivery, including cost, margin, and cash flow. Lead NEC contract administration, ensuring effective change control, early warnings, and claims avoidance. Oversee commercial forecasting, cost management, and audit compliance across all workstreams. Represent the client in high-level negotiations, dispute resolution, and performance reviews with contractors and partners. Drive value creation through cost optimisation, scope efficiency, and risk-informed decision-making. 4. Technical & System Integration: Provide executive oversight across all technical disciplines – civil, electrical, mechanical, control, and communications. Ensure rigorous design governance, interface management, and change control throughout the project lifecycle. Approve major engineering decisions in consultation with the Engineering Manager and senior leadership. Oversee BESS integration, grid compliance, SCADA / EMS interfacing, and successful commissioning acceptance at each site. Promote continuous improvement and innovation in design, technology, and delivery methodologies. 5. Leadership & Organisational Performance: Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary project team with clear accountability and collaboration. Mentor Project Managers, engineers, and commercial leads to develop delivery capability and succession depth. Define clear workstreams, responsibilities, and escalation paths for project decision-making. Foster a culture of integrity, safety, and performance excellence throughout the project team and partners. Capture lessons learned and embed knowledge