Project Development Manager

Overview

Project Development Manager

Cape Town, South Africa

At Scatec, you get to work on something that matters. We develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy solutions that accelerate access to reliable and affordable clean energy. As part of a global and agile organisation, you will work with skilled colleagues across functions and geographies, take real ownership, and contribute to a company driven by the vision of improving our future.

At the heart of everything we do is our belief that we bring the energy - the energy for change, connection, and growth. It shapes how we collaborate, innovate, and create impact together.

If you are looking for a role where your contribution is visible, your development matters, and your work supports a more sustainable future, Scatec may be the right place for you.

Ready to make an impact?

Why this role matters

As a Project Development Manager, you will lead the development and structuring of renewable energy projects from the initial opportunity through to financial close and the start of construction. You will structure and negotiate complex transactions, coordinate internal and external development activities, and work with multidisciplinary teams to progress projects through the development cycle.

What you’ll be doing

You will lead project development activities across the project lifecycle, including:

- Lead project acquisition negotiations and manage acquisition and transaction processes from opportunity assessment through to completion.

- Lead the process of securing project equity and debt financing, working with internal teams, advisers and counterparties through to financial close.

- Lead negotiations with prospective development partners and build strong, productive relationships with external stakeholders.

- Coordinate internal and external development activities, including land, permits and approvals, utility interconnection rights, power purchase agreements, EPC and O&M agreements, and project equity and debt financing.

- Lead market reviews, analyse regulatory and policy developments, and help shape country and regional development strategies for utility-scale renewable energy projects.

- Lead bidding processes and the preparation of high-quality bid packages in response to requests for proposals from utilities and private offtakers.

- Lead project managers delivering development services for third-party transactions and manage development teams comprising internal resources, consultants and subcontractors.

- Analyse project opportunities across Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, and monitor relevant regional power markets, including SAWEM and SAPP.

Your work will turn promising renewable energy opportunities into bankable projects that can move confidently into construction.

What you’ll gain

- Professional growth through ownership, exposure and meaningful contribution from day one.

- Hands-on leadership experience across project origination, structuring and development.

- Broader commercial understanding through close collaboration with finance, legal, technical and operations teams.

- Stronger transaction, negotiation and stakeholder-management capability across complex projects.

- Practical exposure to renewable energy markets, regulations and project development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

- Experience guiding projects from early opportunity assessment to financial close and construction readiness.

What you’ll bring

Experience and qualifications

- A university-level degree in a commercial or technical discipline.

- Five to ten years of relevant professional experience, ideally in investment banking, project finance, operations or a leading global management consulting environment.

- Proven experience closing complex transactions, structuring deals and supporting project finance processes.

- Significant experience in renewable energy project development in emerging markets, with a sound understanding of power markets and renewable energy fundamentals.

- Working knowledge of power purchase agreements, interconnection agreements, permitting requirements and EPC contract terms is preferred, together with strong business and financial-analysis capability.

- Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and presentation software, and fluent written and spoken English.

You will bring a structured, proactive and independent approach, sound judgement and integrity, and the ability to build trusted relationships across cultures and functions.

You should be comfortable leading multidisciplinary teams, managing external advisers and stakeholders, and working across evolving markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.

What it’s like to work at Scatec

At Scatec, we combine purpose with performance. We value responsibility, clarity, and collaboration and we encourage people to challenge existing ways of working, contribute ideas, and keep developing. You can expect an environment where people work together across disciplines and geographies, where good performance matters, and where you are trusted to take ownership without unnecessary hierarchy.

If you enjoy shaping complex renewable energy transactions and want to help bring major projects from opportunity to financial close, this could be a strong next step in your career. You will work across commercial, legal, finance, technical and operations teams to create viable renewable energy projects.

What we offer

At Scatec, you will be part of a company with a clear and ambitious purpose, working on renewable energy solutions that make a lasting difference. You will gain responsibility early, learn from experienced colleagues, and build your capabilities in a business that offers global exposure, strong development opportunities, and meaningful work in the energy transition.

Scatec is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, competence, and business needs.

We review applications on an ongoing basis.