About the position
My client is seeking a driven and technically skilled Senior Project Engineer & Regional Manager to lead renewable energy project delivery across South Africa, with a focus on solar PV and battery energy storage. This leadership role combines engineering expertise with project management and team development responsibilities, while overseeing the Johannesburg branch.
The ideal candidate is both hands-on and strategic, someone who thrives on managing the technical and commercial aspects of renewable energy projects, mentoring a growing team, and ensuring excellence in project delivery from feasibility through to construction.
This role is based in Johannesburg, with regular travel to project sites and client locations across the region.
Key Responsibilities
Project Development & Procurement
- Lead feasibility assessments, including site visits, technical due diligence, and yield/financial modelling.
- Develop tender documentation and oversee competitive procurement processes.
- Manage permitting and ensure compliance with South Africa's
regulatory frameworks. - Evaluate proposals from EPCs/IPPs and support the selection of
project partners. - Engage with clients to define project goals and assess business cases.
- Provide technical input to support legal and commercial project
decisions.
Project Management & Construction Oversight
- Act as the Owner Engineer/Principal Agent throughout the project lifecycle.
- Monitor contractor performance, oversee quality inspections, and ensure design execution aligns with best practices.
- Interrogate technical designs, datasheets, and system documentation.
- Manage timelines, track KPIs, mitigate risks, and report on construction progress.
- Coordinate with professionals such as QSs, architects, and engineers to ensure smooth delivery.
Branch & Team Leadership
- Lead and grow my clients Johannesburg branch; recruit, train, and manage a regional project team.
- Act as the main point of contact for local clients, partners, and stakeholders.
- Ensure high standards of technical delivery, internal coordination, and external client service.
- Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with my clients values.
Candidate Profile
Required Experience:
- Engineering degree (B/BSc Eng Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronic).
- 3+ years of solar PV engineering experience (C&I embedded generation sector preferred).
- 4+ years in project engineering and/or project management roles.
- Deep understanding of solar PV and battery energy system design, performance metrics, and financial drivers.
- Prior experience overseeing construction and managing contractors.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Technically detail-oriented with commercial awareness.
- Proven project management ability and organisational discipline.
- Confident managing client relationships and external professionals.
- Self-starter with a proactive and solutions-driven approach.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be based in Johannesburg.
- Valid drivers licence and willingness to travel for site and client visits.
Advantageous:
- PMP or similar project management qualification.
- Knowledge of JBCC contracts.
- Solar PV system design experience and/or financial modelling skills.
- Familiarity with Google Workspace and cloud-based project tools.
Desired Skills:
- Engineering
- Management
- Leadership
- solar
- batteries
