Overview
Position Title : CEO - XINA SOLAR ONE COMPANY
Reports to : Formally reports to the Board of Directors of the Project Company; also reports internally to the Chief Operations Officer
Department : Renewable Operations
Period : Full Time - Local Employment Contract
Location : Bryanston, Johannesburg - South Africa
Frequent travel to Xina Operations and occasionally to Europe
Closing date : 26th September 2025
2. Background
XINA Solar One, Project Company within ENGIE Southern Africa
ENGIE is a major player in the energy transition, whose purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. With 98,000 employees in 30 countries, the Group covers the entire energy value chain, from production to infrastructures and sales. ENGIE combines complementary activities : renewable electricity and green gas production, flexibility assets (notably batteries), gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks, local energy infrastructures and the supply of energy to individuals, local authorities, and businesses. Every year, ENGIE works to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net-zero carbon goal by 2045. The Group has been present in Africa for over 50 years.
ENGIE provides expertise in four (4) Global Business Units :
- Renewables & Flex Power - Delivering greener and smarter electrons through renewable energy and flexible power solutions.
- Local Energy Infrastructures - Support customers in achieving significant decarbonization goals.
- Networks - Expanding and adapting power and gas infrastructure to accommodate the transition to green molecules.
- Supply & Energy Management - Leveraging ENGIE's global energy assets to deliver secure, sustainable energy to customers.
About ENGIE in South Africa :
15 years + presence in South AfricaFirst and largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) with more than 1,6 GW in operationOver 300 + professionalsDeveloped, built and operate the first H2 plant in Africa at Mogalakwena mineFounding member of the Hydrogen valley initiative with Anglo American and the Department of Science and TechnologyOperational and Safety excellence across all sitesGrowth Market for ENGIEIn South Africa, ENGIE has a growing involvement and portfolio of operational assets :
Avon & Dedisa Peaking Power (1005 MW OCGT)Xina Solar One (100 MW CSP)Kathu Solar Park (100 MW CSP)Aurora Wind (95 MW Onshore Wind)Golden Valley (117 MW Onshore Wind)Excelsior (32 MW Onshore Wind)Konkoonsies 2 (75 MW Solar PV)Aggeneys (40 MW Solar PV)MBP (75 MW Solar PV)Grootspruit (75 MW Solar PV) - in constructionGraspan (75 MW Solar PV) - in constructionOYA Hybrid (333 MW Solar / Wind / BESS) - in constructionFor more information please visit :3. Job Purpose
In charge of all day-to-day matters of the Project Company including compliance by the Company with its obligations under the XINA Power Purchase Agreement.The CEO is responsible for controlling the Project Company and the operation of the plant, controlling expenses, optimizing human resources, in order to respect the budget and to ensure smooth operation of the plant. He / she is responsible for defending the interests of the Project Company, and initiate long term solution to the plant operational issues in order to protect project revenues.The CEO will be the internal and external main point of contact for the project company. Responsibilities include health, safety and environment, shareholder management, community engagement, Social Economic Development program, contract & finance management, technical reporting and HR Management4. Key Responsibilities
Within the limits of Project Agreements
optimise the financial performance of the project company, maintaining and implementing timely and accurate Engie Group financial reporting, medium term forecast / budgeting control and risk management, and protecting the long-term value of the assetGeneral Management of XINA project teamEnforcing Health, Safety and Environment performance for the Company's staff, Operator and contractorsTogether with the CEO of XINA Operations and Maintenance Company, initiate long term solutions to the plant operational issues in order to protect revenues, and safeguard long-term and sustainable performanceContractor and Operator Contract management, plant performance follow up, claim managementEnsuring proper implementation of governance and reporting requirements, including preparation and organisation of XINA Board of Directors, sub committees and General Shareholders AssemblyEnsures all contractual obligations towards the South African authorities and towards the off-taker (according to the Implementation Agreement and the Power Purchase Agreement) are respected. This includes Economic Development obligationsEngaging with all relevant project stakeholders to maintain the 'license to operate' and representing XINA towards the stakeholdersSpecific roles and responsibilities
Environmental, health and Safety - Managing the Environmental, Health and Safety performance of the project
Ensure that adequate provision is made for the successful & continuous implementation of Health, Safety & Environmental management systems by the O&M company which will guarantee that a safe place & safe systems of work are provided on a consistent basisEnsure that all regulatory approvals / permits are obtained and maintained in order to maintain the full operation of the plantStakeholder RelationsRepresenting XINA project Company in engagements with the authorities, regulatory agencies, lenders, banks, service providers and professional organisationsConduct and / or coordinate and control all high level interfaces with the authorities, banks and clientsHandling community relations and liaise with main stakeholdersFinance
Manage operations within approved budget and delegation of authorityMaximise profitability and shareholder valueControl and supervision of the financial management, and particularly :Comprehensive and effective company costs controlPrepare medium and long-term budget forecasts for Board approval, monitoring and reporting variances and deviations on a regular basisEnsure compliance with finance documentsEnsure compliance with local tax authoritiesMonthly financial reporting to the Engie GroupMonthly financial analysis to the Engie Group (Budget vs Actual and Best Estimate)Compliance with South African Companies Act (timely annual return filings) o Control and approve procurement and all expenditures. Maintain and update related proceduresPrepare refinancing and IPO if any with the support of EngieContract and Project Management - Managing the Environmental, Health and Safety performance of the projectUnderstand and manage EPC contracts until Final Acceptance Date; manage construction claims, warranty claims and punch list itemsEnsure and maintain compliance with the Project Agreements, the Finance Agreements and South African laws; Coordinate with the Board of Directors to resolve disputes in the best interest of XINA Project CompanyCoordinate with the CEO of the O&M Company; ensure O&M keeps appropriate organisation and performs activities in line with Good Utility practices; develop operating and maintenance strategiesPlant performance monitoring before and after Final Acceptance dateDesign and approval of plant improvements and investmentsDevelop and propose the annual SED planManage Owner's Engineer and Independent Engineer until Final Acceptance DateGeneral Management to ensure compliance with Black Economic Empowerment requirementsImprove the performance of the plant and propose investmentsResponsible to the Board for good utility practices in the management and administration of XINA Project CompanyResponsible for the respect of the ethical and governance practices enacted by the BoardRisk assessment and reporting; ensure changes in law and regulations are implemented where necessarySupport to future business development and undertakes other duties as requiredIT managementCommunication managementEnsure that insurance coverage and policies are in place during the operational phaseReporting to the Board of Directors and General Shareholders Assembly; keep Directors informed of significant changesHuman Resources
Set-up and implement a compensation & benefits policy in line with the budgetDevelop HR policy and administrative proceduresSet objectives for the team, evaluate personnel on a regular basis and implement salary policy accordingly5. Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Education
University Degree in Engineering, Financial or Legal discipline; Master's Degree preferredCertified Public Accountant / Qualified Chartered Accountant is an advantageHSE qualification in relevant field is an advantageSolid base in project finance, accountancy and consolidationLanguage
Excellent English communication skills mandatory (verbal and written)Experience
Minimum of 15 years' experience within the power / energy sector, preferably in power generation, with minimum 5 years in a senior management positionDirect experience of thermal power generation technologies and preferably CSPSolid understanding of project financeProven contract management experienceExperience with IPPs is a plusTeam leadership experiencePublic and 3rd party relationship / contractual management / finance management experienceSpecific Knowledge / Skills
Strong interpersonal skillsStrong negotiation and leadership and management skillsKnowledge of Power Purchase Agreement frameworkGood technical backgroundAbility to work independentlyAbility to lead and work in a broad cultural spectrum6. Communication and Working Relationships
Internal :
XINA Board of DirectorsRenewables COOSenior managers at ENGIE regional officeEXCO managers at ENGIE head officeXINA Project Company Management teamExternal :
Client / Off-Taker (ESKOM)Government and local authorities as requiredOperator, through the O&M agreementContractor through the EPC contractOther Contractual Counterparties, Contractors, Suppliers, Equipment Manufacturers and VendorsBanksOther stakeholdersENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups. ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions
Business Unit : GBU Renewables
Division : REN AMEA - South Africa
Legal Entity : ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Limited
Professional Experience : Senior (experience >
15 years)
Education Level : Master's Degree
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