Project Director - Solar
An established renewable energy developer and asset owner is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead the owner-side management of a portfolio of utility-scale Solar PV projects, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) where applicable.
This senior role provides leadership across the full project lifecycle - from transaction support and financial close through construction, commissioning, handover, and the Defects Liability Period. The successful candidate will act as the owner's representative, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with shareholder, lender, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
Role Overview
The Project Director will oversee a portfolio of renewable energy projects while providing governance, delivery assurance, stakeholder management, and execution support across multiple workstreams.
The role combines portfolio oversight with hands-on project management and requires close collaboration with Development, Transactions, Engineering, Procurement, Legal, Finance, SHSEQ, Construction, Commissioning, and Asset Management teams.
Depending on project allocation and organisational requirements, the incumbent may directly manage projects while also providing leadership and coordination to other Project Managers across the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Development & Transaction Support
- Support development and transaction teams in identifying construction, operational, commercial, and technical risks during project development.
- Assist with project budgeting, scheduling, and technical assumptions used within financial models.
- Support lender and investor due diligence processes, including engagement with technical advisors.
- Assist with contractor, EPC, Owner's Engineer, consultant, and equipment supplier procurement processes.
- Contribute to contract negotiations and project readiness activities prior to financial close.
- Manage Early Works packages where required.
- Coordinate grid connection activities, preliminary designs, environmental approvals, and permitting processes.
Portfolio & Project Delivery
- Lead owner-side governance across a portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy projects.
- Ensure effective management of scope, schedule, cost, risk, quality, procurement, and stakeholder engagement.
- Coordinate and supervise Project Managers assigned to portfolio projects.
- Provide escalation support and strategic guidance to project teams.
- Assume direct Project Management responsibilities where required.
Construction & Execution
- Manage multidisciplinary project teams
- Monitor project performance against budgets, programmes, and contractual obligations.
- Conduct site visits and inspections to monitor progress, quality, safety, and compliance.
- Chair or attend construction progress meetings with contractors and consultants.
- Review and certify project milestones and contractor deliverables.
- Manage punch-list close-out activities through to final completion.
Risk, Compliance & Governance
- Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS)
- IFC Performance Standards
- Equator Principles
- South African regulatory requirements
- Monitor project risks and implement mitigation measures.
- Ensure permits, licences, insurances, and project agreements remain valid throughout execution.
- Support lender compliance and contractual reporting obligations.
Stakeholder Management
- EPC Contractors
- Consultants
- Landowners
- Local communities
- Lenders and investors
- Shareholders and board representatives
- Prepare and present reports to senior management, investment committees, boards, and project stakeholders.
Minimum Requirements
- Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.
- Professional registration or certification such as:
- ECSA (PrEng)
- SACPCMP
- PMP
- Equivalent recognised accreditation
Experience Required:
Essential
- Demonstrated experience in utility-scale Solar PV project development and execution from an owner, IPP, developer, Owner's Engineer, or similar perspective.
- Experience managing renewable energy projects through multiple lifecycle phases.
Preferred
- 10+ years' experience delivering major infrastructure, engineering, or energy projects.
- 5+ years' experience within the renewable energy sector in South Africa.
- Experience supporting projects through:
- Financial Close
- Construction Readiness
- EPC Delivery
- Commissioning
- Handover and Operations
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong portfolio and project management capability.
- Excellent understanding of utility-scale Solar PV and BESS projects.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to interpret project contracts and delivery obligations.
- Proven experience managing project schedules, risks, costs, quality, and governance.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities.
- Strong reporting skills and experience engaging with executive and board-level stakeholders.
- Sound understanding of construction, commissioning, handover, and defects liability management.
Project Director - Solar
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