Project Developer

The Project Developer will be responsible for supporting the development and structuring of energy projects from early opportunity through to the development cycle and to financial close. The Project Developer will be responsible for a range of project development activities and one of the key areas will be business development and will report directly to the Head of Project Development. The Project developer will also be responsible for raising finance and procuring products. 

Strategy Execution

• Lead the project development process for wind, solar PV and Battery Energy Storage projects in the pipeline from land identification and selection until “bid-ready” and/or “ready-to build” depending on the context, including, but not limited to:
• Identifying, obtaining & maintaining all permits, approvals, authorisations and licenses required.
• Compile documentation, attend meetings, conduct necessary studies, and perform other tasks as needed to obtain permits for solar projects at the local, provincial and national level.
• Assist with efforts to secure transmission and interconnection rights from utilities and transmission providers.
• Identifying, scoping and appointing service providers for appropriate specialist studies.
• Ensuring that grid connection requirements are assessed and studied in order to ensure Power Plant Grid connectivity.
• Collaborate with engineering team to achieve successful equipment sourcing and selection, contractor selection, conceptual & detailed design, technical optimization, and grid connection.
• Providing inputs to and supporting financial modelling activities required.
• Leading the preparation and risk review of contracts required to execute the project with Legal Counsel.
• Lead the identification, tracking and execution of all licensing and approvals, and other related activities to bring projects to “bid-ready” and “ready to build”, depending on the context.
• Origination of investment opportunities in greenfield and brownfield renewable projects in South Africa, rest of Africa, and in different stages of development.
• Manage due diligence of prospective partners and projects for acquisition.
• Site and project acquisition (whether greenfield or established projects): evaluating, selecting and developing of a portfolio of projects from pre-feasibility through to fully developed, bid ready or bankable projects.
• Identify and organize the development of wind and solar projects by creating and updating project maps and databases.
• Stay up to date with regulatory and market intelligence factors to continuously update maps and databases.
• Identify and pursue tender opportunities for private PPAs and related Bid Coordination.
• Ensure bidding opportunities are aligned with strategy and creating business cases accordingly.
• Lead & co-ordinate the submission of compliant and high-quality bids
• Manage interfaces with Engineering, Investments & Funding, and other group functions as required.
• Prepare and submit business cases that to ensure projects are investment-worthy and maximize profit and return on investment to the Company and the Group
• Apply Project Management of projects under development and bids under preparation.
• Identify development opportunities that help the Company meet our goals and overall development objectives.
• Produce a business case for each development opportunity and each specific project, communicate the business case to the Head of
• Project Development to obtain formal approval before proceeding.
• Reporting on progress of all activities to the Head of Project Development
• Delivering projects under strict timescales whilst ensuring financial performance meets company objectives.
• Play a lead project developer role in financial closes, including project management process
• Participate in key client relationships and interface with key customers (large scale commercial & industrial users) to negotiate and conclude Power Purchase Agreement(s)
• Support the EPC and O&M Contract negotiation and the contractor RFP (procurement) process and negotiation and conclusion of EPC and O&M contract(s)

Finance and Revenue Generation

• Participate in the preparation of proposals that are submitted to power purchasers including utilities, community choice aggregators, and commercial & industrial customers.
• Support internal reporting and project tracking efforts.
• Lead the evaluation of project Feasibility Studies 
• Negotiate property agreements with landowner(s) to provide PGE with appropriate rights to develop our projects.
• Secure all third-party consents necessary to build and operate our projects.
• Secure funding from lenders, investors and/or joint venture parties needed to build our projects, ensure you maximise the profit and return on investment to the Company and the Group.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Technical delivery, and client relationship management for all related projects
• Work with the Head of Project Development and landowners to create and amend agreements, options, leases, and land sales.
• Assist with community outreach and other stakeholder management activities.

• Identify, initiate, and maintain positive working relationships with appropriate stakeholder including but not limited to:

• Land-owners

• Site Developers
• Potential and current partner IPP’s
• Appropriate regulatory bodies
• Appropriate service providers

People Management 

• Manage all staff under supervision and conduct performance and talent management activities for direct reports.  
• Coach and mentor direct reports. Identify team members for succession pipeline and career progression.
• Oversee effective utilization of systems and tools to ensure that knowledge is managed efficiently for continuous improvement.
• Recognize and make recommendations for the reward of high performing members; respects, promotes and accepts diversity.

Compliance & Governance 

• Execute in adherence to all relevant regulatory and business practices.
• Conduct land, market, regulatory, and related project research.
• Active risk management by applying and promoting a culture of on-going detection and resolution of Statutory, Regulatory compliance breaches.
• Ensure timely delivery on all statutory reporting requirements.
• Assist in driving the resolution management of the identified top 5 departmental risks.

 Desired Skills & Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressively responsible project management or development experience in energy or a related industry
• Excellent verbal, written, technical and computer communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office software with strong Excel skills
• Competency in Analytical Problem Solving, Strong Communication, Customer/Partner Relationships, and Technology Expertise

 Competences  

Leadership Capabilities:

• Participative Leadership 
• Planning & Organising 
• Monitoring & Measuring

 Cognitive Capabilities:

•  Analysis & Attention to detail 
• Problem Solving 
• Critical thinking  

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Assertive
• Methodical
• Drive & Action Oriented 
• Flexibility 
• Excellence & Qualify Orientation