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 Spain, with frequent travel and remote office working. My clients office is in Madrid, but they are open to somebody travelling in to the office 1-2 times per month.ResponsibilitiesProject Collaboration and Technical CriteriaCollaborate 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 ManagementIdentify 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.RequirementsBachelor'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.If the opportunity to be a part of a highly skilled, international team is of interest to you, please apply directly through the link or contact Georgia Sumnall gsumnall@leap29.com