CEO - Kathu Solar Park at ENGIE

Purpose

• In charge of all day-to-day matters of the Project Company including compliance by the Company with its obligations under the Kathu 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. The CEO 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 Management

Key Responsibilities

• Within the limits of Project Agreements, optimise the financial performance of KSP, 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 asset,
• General Management of Kathu Solar Park team,
• Enforcing Health, Safety and Environment performance for the Company’s staff, Operator and contractors,
• Together with the CEO of Kathu Operations and Maintenance Company, initiate long term solutions to the plant operational issues in order to protect revenues, and safeguard long-term and sustainable performance,
• Contractor and Operator Contract management, plant performance follow up, claim management,
• Ensuring proper implementation of governance and reporting requirements, including preparation and organisation of the KSP Board of Directors, sub committees and General Shareholders Assembly,
• Ensures 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 obligations,
• Engaging with all relevant project stakeholders to maintain the ‘license to operate and representing KSP towards the stakeholders.

Specific Roles And Responsibilities Include

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 basis,
• Ensure that all regulatory approvals/permits are obtained and maintained in order to maintain the full operation of the plant,

Stakeholder Relations

• Representing KSP in engagements with the authorities, regulatory agencies, lenders, banks, service providers and professional organisations,
• Conduct and/or coordinate and control all high level interfaces with the authorities, banks and clients,
• Handling community relations and liaise with main stakeholders.

Finance

• Manage operations within approved budget and delegation of authority,
• Maximise profitability and shareholder value,
• Control and supervision of the financial management, and particularly:
• Comprehensive and effective company costs control
• Prepare medium and long-term budget forecasts for Board approval, monitoring and reporting variances and deviations on a regular basis
• Ensure compliance with finance documents
• Ensure compliance with local tax authorities
• Monthly financial reporting to the Engie Group
• Monthly financial analysis to the Engie Group (Budget vs Actual and Best Estimate)
• Compliance with South African Companies Act (timely annual return filings)
• Control and approve procurement and all expenditures. Maintain and update related procedures,
• Prepare refinancing and IPO if any with the support of ENGIE.

Contract an Project Management

• Managing the Environmental, Health and Safety performance of the project,
• Ensure that a culture of excellent Environmental, Health and Safety standards is applied and consistently maintained,
• Manage EPC Contract until Final Acceptance Date. Manage construction claims. Manage warranty claims and punch list items,
• Ensure and maintain compliance with the Project Agreements, the Finance Agreements and South African laws; Following up proper execution of the commercial and financial contracts and bringing in solutions to any argument or problem that may arise, in coordination with the Board of Directors; In this respect maintain a smooth relationship with the client while devoting his best efforts to minimise and solve possible disputes in the best interest of KSP,
• Coordinating on relevant matters with the CEO of the O&M Company; Ensure that the O&M Company keeps appropriate organisation in place and performs its activities in due respect of the contracts and in accordance with Good Utility practices; Development & implementation of operating and maintenance strategies and policies to achieve optimum operation and availability of the plant,
• Plant performance monitoring before and after Final Acceptance date,
• Design and approval of plant improvements and investments,
• Develop and propose the annual SED plan,
• Manage Owner’s Engineer and Independent Engineer until Final Acceptance Date.

General Management

• Ensure compliance with Black Economic Empowerment and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment requirements,
• Improve the performance of the plant and propose investments,
• Responsible to the Board for good utility practices in the management and administration of KSP. Responsible for the respect of the ethical and governance practices enacted by the Board,
• Coordinating on relevant matters with the CEO of the O&M Company; Ensure that the O&M Company keeps appropriate organisation in place and performs its activities in due respect of the contracts and in accordance with Good Utility practices; Development & implementation of operating and maintenance strategies and policies to achieve optimum operation and availability of the plant,
• Risk assessment and reporting; Implementation and follow-up of actions needed to minimise risks and/or consequences,
• Making sure that applicable changes in law and regulations are implemented where necessary, to ensure compliance,
• Support to future business development and undertakes other duties as the situation requires,
• IT management,
• Communication management,
• Ensure that the insurance coverage and policies are in place during the operational phase.

Reporting

• Organize efficient Board of Directors, and General Shareholders Assembly; keep Directors informed of all significant change in the operation of the project in order to maintain the full support of the Board of Directors,
• Report on the status of KSP to the Board of Directors and the shareholder companies as and when required,
• Report to lenders, client, authorities as required under law or the Project Agreements,

Human Resources Management Of The Company

• Set-up and implement a compensation & benefits policy in line with the budget,
• Develop HR policy and administrative procedures,
• Set objectives for the team, evaluate personnel on a regular basis and set up salary policy in line with budget and implement incentive schemes,
• Leading and supporting the team in the execution of their responsibilities.

Education

• University Degree in Engineering or Legal discipline, Master’s Degree is preferred
• Certified Public Accountant /Qualified Chartered Accountant is an advantage
• A relevant HSE qualification to enable the delivery of the requirements detailed, is an advantage
• Solid base in project finance, accountancy and consolidation and good notions of company and tax laws are an advantage

Language

• Excellent English communication skills is 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 position.
• Direct experience of thermal power generation technologies and preferably CSP.
• Solid understanding of project finance.
• Proven contract management experience
• Experience with IPPs is a plus
• Team Leadership experience.
• Public and 3rd parties relationship / contractual management / finance management experience.

Specific Knowledge / Skills

• Strong Interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation and leadership and management skills.
• Knowledge of Power Purchase Agreement framework
• Good technical background/understanding.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lead and work efficiently in a broad cultural spectrum.