Senior Technical Manager - Solar, BESS and Grid Projects

About the role

PowerGen, a leading renewable energy platform in sub-Saharan Africa, is expanding into large-scale generation and grid projects for mining, industrial and utility-scale offtakers. The Senior Technical Manager owns, end to end, all technical aspects of the company's projects, from early-stage screening through to handover to the construction manager. The role combines engineering experience with project development, procurement, execution and commercial expertise, and runs autonomously with a business line or major client account.

Key responsibilities

• Own the technical solution of every project: screening, preliminary design and pricing, development workstreams, detailed design, technical due diligence, operational requirements and handover to construction.
• Lead EPC contractor, OEM and supplier selection and contracting, including tenders, negotiations and cost benchmarking.
• Build mature Engineering and Strategic Procurement functions: team, standards, processes, tools and interfaces with other departments.
• Lead, develop and motivate the Engineering and Procurement teams, and represent PowerGen technically with offtakers, utilities, regulators, lenders and suppliers.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil or Energy Engineering (professional registration an advantage).
• 10-15 years in engineering and/or procurement for energy or infrastructure projects, with at least 5 years in a lead engineering or technical manager role.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience designing and delivering solar PV, BESS and hybrid power systems, and EPC procurement and contract negotiation.
• At least 3 years managing teams, budgets and consultant or supplier portfolios.
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa or emerging markets; DRC or francophone Africa experience is an advantage.

Required skills

• Solar PV, BESS and hybrid system design, including preliminary design, system sizing and energy yield modelling.
• MV/LV distribution networks and grid interconnection requirements.
• Engineering software such as HOMER, PVsyst, HelioScope, ETAP/DiGSI LENT PowerFactory and AutoCAD.
• Project bankability, PPA structures and project economics.
• English; French is a strong advantage.

What we offer

• A competitive package including annual compensation, performance bonuses, health insurance, professional development and team building events.
• The chance to lead landmark solar hybrid projects and work with a fast-growing regional team.