Project Development Manager – Solar PV and BESS – Cape Town

We’re hiring a Project Development Manager with experience in the utility-scale energy sector to join a leading IPP in Cape Town, to help drive large-scale solar and storage projects from origination through to financial close.

Full-time, flexible hybrid model.

You’ll be part of a collaborative and mission-driven project development team, taking ownership of the full lifecycle of utility-scale solar PV and energy storage projects — from site selection and permitting, to interconnection and commercial structuring. Proven experience in land acquisition, stakeholder engagement, environmental permitting and authorisation processes is essential, and successfully driving projects to financial close is preferable

This is an opportunity to take the lead on a project and see it through to financial close, while expanding your own portfolio along the way. Working alongside a highly experienced team, you’ll gain exposure to all key aspects of utility-scale renewable energy development.

• Degree in Engineering, Environmental Management, Town Planning or other relevant degrees

• 2–3 years’ experience in renewable energy project development, ideally within South Africa
• Proven track record in land acquisition, stakeholder engagement, environmental permitting, and taking projects to financial close is preferable
• Solid understanding of South African energy regulations, permitting frameworks, and the utility-scale market
• Experience with energy storage or hybrid project development
• Exposure to financial modelling or M&A activities
• Familiarity with REIPPPP or private-sector procurement structures

• Lead the development of utility-scale solar PV and/or storage projects from early-stage through to financial close
• Source and secure land rights via direct negotiations with landowners or through appointed agents
• Manage permitting and environmental approvals, engaging with consultants and regulatory bodies
• Oversee interconnection applications and coordinate with grid operators
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and risks across the full development lifecycle
• Work closely with internal teams (legal, engineering, finance) and external partners to ensure project bankability
• Support commercial workstreams such as PPAs, offtake agreements, and bid submissions

• Solid understanding of South African energy regulations, permitting frameworks, and the utility-scale landscape
• Strong communication skills
• Able to negotiate
• Project management skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating in a fast-paced, impact-driven environment
• Able to work with municipal bodies effectively