Senior Project and Business Developer

The Senior Business and Project Developer will be responsible for identifying, developing, and securing profitable new business opportunities across the diverse markets and countries in which Pele operates, or wish to extend operations to. This role includes managing key stakeholder relationships, structuring energy projects from early-stage opportunity through to financial close and supporting procurement and financing activities. The successful candidate will lead the development of renewable energy projects — specifically wind, solar PV, and battery energy storage systems —and ensure strategic alignment with company objectives. The Senior Business and Project Developer will report to the General Manager.

Business Development & Opportunity Management

• Conduct market analysis and strategic planning to identify new business opportunities and expansion areas, as well as staying abreast of industry developments

• Promote the company’s services to new and existing clients.
• Engage with clients to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions.
• Perform due diligence and feasibility assessments for new initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless delivery and client satisfaction.
• Negotiate and finalize partnership agreements and contracts.
• Facilitate the transition from client acquisition to project implementation.
• Analyse trends and potential funding sources within the development space.

Project Development

• Lead the development of wind, solar PV, and battery energy storage projects from land identification to bid-ready or ready-to-build status.
• Secure all necessary permits, approvals, and licenses at local, provincial, and national levels.
• Coordinate transmission and interconnection rights with utilities and transmission providers.
• Appoint and manage service providers for specialist studies.
• Ensure grid connection requirements are assessed and met.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on equipment sourcing, contractor selection, design, and optimization.
• Support financial modelling and risk review of contracts with legal counsel.
• Originate investment opportunities in greenfield and brownfield renewable projects at different development stages across South Africa and other African markets.
• Manage due diligence for prospective partners and acquisition targets.
• Oversee site and project acquisition, including evaluation and development from pre-feasibility to bankable status.
• Maintain project maps and databases, incorporating regulatory and market intelligence.
• Identify and pursue tender opportunities for private Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and coordinate bid submissions.
• Align bidding opportunities with strategic objectives and prepare business cases.
• Lead and coordinate high-quality bid submissions.
• Interface with Engineering, Investments & Funding, and other group functions.
• Apply project management principles to projects under development and bids in preparation.
• Produce and present business cases for development opportunities to secure formal approval.
• Report progress to the General Manager.
• Ensure timely delivery of projects while meeting financial performance targets.
• Lead financial close processes and manage project development activities.
• Negotiate and conclude PPAs with large-scale commercial and industrial clients.
• Support EPC and O&M contract negotiations and procurement processes.

Finance & Revenue Generation

• Prepare proposals for power purchasers including utilities, aggregators, and commercial clients.
• Support internal reporting and project tracking.
• Lead feasibility study evaluations.
• Negotiate property agreements with landowners.
• Secure third-party consents for project development and operation.
• Raise funding from lenders, investors, and joint venture partners.
• Monitor financial performance and support reporting against targets.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Manage technical delivery and client relationships across all projects.
• Collaborate with landowners to create and amend agreements.
• Assist with community outreach and stakeholder engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with:
• Landowners
• Site developers
• Partner IPPs
• Regulatory bodies
• Service providers
• All other project stakeholders

People Management

• Manage and mentor direct reports, conducting performance and talent management.
• Identify team members for succession planning and career development.
• Promote effective knowledge management and continuous improvement.
• Recognize and reward high-performing team members.
• Foster a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to all relevant regulatory and business practices.
• Conduct land, market, and regulatory research.
• Promote a culture of proactive risk management and compliance.
• Ensure timely delivery of statutory reporting requirements.
• Support resolution of departmental risks.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
• Post Graduate Qualification in related field is essential
• A minimum of 10 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

Competencies

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 & Quality Orientation