Technical Manager Africa

Technical Manager Africa

Leap29 are assisting an esteemed client in their search for an adept individual to assume a pivotal role as a Technical Manager for Africa, collaborating closely with the Business Unit Director.

The successful candidate will play a key role in diverse solar PV projects, Battery Energy Storage initiatives, and transmission and distribution endeavours across multiple countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This role is to be based from France, with frequent travel and remote office working.

Responsibilities :

Project Collaboration and Technical Criteria :

• Collaborate with the Business Unit Director and Project Development or Project Manager teams during project phases for early engagement on technical and engineering criteria pertinent to plant design and performance.
• Interface with Technical and Engineering teams on preliminary, procurement-focused, and final design phases, connecting with our internal excellence group based in Italy.
• Validate technical criteria influencing project investment returns and provide approval for the technical review of project investments.
• Engage with appointed Technical Advisors on due diligence reports and contribute to the review and negotiation of technical criteria.
• Interface with Investors Technical Advisors for due diligence review and negotiation of technical criteria.
• Engage with Investors regarding the review of EPC & Technical Annexes and SPA agreements.
• Collaborate with the strategic procurement team to evaluate new product technical specifications, qualify providers, and technically validate offers, with an emphasis on improving project financial returns.
• Participate in the Senior Engineering Team, led by the Chief Technology Officer, to review and commercialize technological advancements aimed at reducing EPC costs, enhancing plant performance, or optimizing operating costs.
• Adhere to Group policies, including Equal Opportunities policies.
• Embrace additional duties as situations arise.

Project Development and Management :

• Identify project and partnership opportunities to expand the pipeline, negotiating and managing co-development agreements with support from the senior team.
• Explore large sites for ground-mounted PV projects, BESS, or T&D lines.
• Manage the development process for secured projects and oversee development budgets.
• Research grid status and availability, maintaining communication with DNOs.
• Negotiate sub-contractor roles, responsibilities, and contracts.
• Negotiate key development contracts.
• Analyse and review commercial viability based on projects’ technical design and costing.
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of local market legislation, regulations, and support schemes.
• Manage local development partners.
• Oversee internal pipeline management and reporting.
• Support financial analysis of opportunities.
• Liaise with landowners or organizations to secure development pipeline security (HOT’s, Permission agreements for Grid, Option, and Lease progression).
• Liaise with local authorities (Parish and County Council, local working groups).
• Process and prepare due governance diligence.

Requirements :

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of three years' experience at a leadership level or equivalent, preferably in the renewable energy sector.
• Experience overseeing projects exceeding 100 MW capacity in PV, with relevant experience in BESS and T&D.
• Proficient in engineering and construction.
• Experience in grid connection and commissioning is advantageous.
• Experience in Africa is a plus.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; Fluency in English is essential, with proficiency in either French, Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail and diligence.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Commitment and desire to see a project through to completion.
• Absolute "Self-Starter" who can manage their time and wider work responsibilities.
• Draft presentation documents and present to Landowners and peers.
• Established network within the industry and contacts around the renewables industry.
• Knowledge of planning / simulation software (AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, PVsyst).
• Technical mindset with the ability to assess project risks against benefits and potential constraints.
• Frequent international travel availability.
Il y a plus de 30 jours