Senior Project Development Manager - Commercial & Industrial Solar PV and Battery Storage

We’re partnering with a leading developer and operator of Commercial & Industrial solar PV and battery storage projects (1–5 MW) to appoint a General Manager who knows how to turn a pipeline into profitable, investment-ready assets.

This isn’t a “greenfield dreamer” role — the business already has a large portfolio of projects under development, but too few are passing Investment Committee. The reason? Development discipline. Projects need sharper screening, structured stop/go decisions, and stronger commercial fundamentals to hit IRR targets.

We’re looking for someone who’s done this before — someone who knows what it takes to deliver C&I projects in the African context, navigating off-taker due diligence, grid connection challenges, EPC interfaces, and local permitting processes.

🔍 What You’ll Do

• Lead the end-to-end development of distributed solar PV and BESS projects (1–5 MW) from site origination through to NTP and COD.
• Build and enforce a bankable development process — from early-stage feasibility and tariff modelling to EPC contracting and financial close.
• Work closely with the CEO to drive IRR improvements, cost optimisation, and pipeline conversion.
• Oversee technical, commercial, and regulatory workstreams — including PPA negotiation, permitting, and grid approvals.
• Manage and mentor a small, high-performing development and delivery team, ensuring accountability and efficiency in a lean structure.
• Engage directly with investors, shareholders, and lenders on project economics and risk mitigation.

⚙️ What You’ll Bring

• Proven success delivering C&I solar and/or BESS projects (1–5 MW) in East Africa or similar emerging markets.
• Deep understanding of project economics — LCOE drivers, IRR sensitivities, capex/opex levers, and investment-readiness criteria.
• Strong grasp of PPA structuring, EPC and O&M contracting, grid-interconnection, and local compliance.
• Ability to design and implement a structured development framework that moves projects through clear decision gates.
• A hands-on leadership style — equally comfortable in the boardroom and on-site.
• Experience managing small, multi-disciplinary teams and working closely with a CEO or executive leadership group.

📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya (full relocation and visa sponsorship provided)

🚀 You must be willing to be based in Nairobi full-time.

If you’ve built bankable C&I projects in Africa and understand what it takes to move a portfolio from “pipeline” to “operating assets,” this is where your experience will make a measurable impact.