Senior Assets Lead

About NOA:

Established in 2022, NOA is a leading renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) and energy trader, licensed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. We empower commercial and industrial companies to reach their net-zero goals while securing long-term energy savings. Backed by R3.9 billion in equity capital from Old Mutual’s African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), we currently have 600 MW of owned generation capacity under construction, and another 300 MW of capacity under construction by IPPs where we are the off takers. 

At NOA, we believe that energy is life; it is the pulse that powers our industries, empowers our communities, and builds our societies. We are currently at a unique, once-in-a-generation moment in South African history, similar to the birth of the gold industry or the mobile revolution. It is a mission-critical time, and we have the right partners and expertise to shape the creation of an entirely new energy landscape. 

What truly sets us apart is The NOA Way—our intentionally crafted culture and roadmap for excellence. We aren't just a utility; we are a tight, high-functioning team of "all-in" problem solvers who lean into complexity to find original solutions. We speak simply, act big, and step forward to own the changes our nation needs. 

Our impact is immense: we are here to solve the immediate energy crisis, fuel the growth of the South African economy, and create a global blueprint for a decarbonised future. We are building a phenomenal team to do something magnificent together, and we make sure to savour the journey along the way. 

Role Purpose

The Senior Assets Lead provides leadership to an operational team responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of renewable energy assets (Solar PV, Wind and BESS) in South Africa. The primary purpose is to ensure each asset delivers on its business case across technical, financial, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) KPIs. This role acts as the bridge between site-based performance and SPV board-level strategic management, ensuring the longevity and commercial viability of the operating assets.

Key accountabilities

• Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with Plant Operators, EPC Contractors, service providers, lenders, advisors, shareholders, regulatory bodies and SPV Boards.
• Asset Optimisation: Take overall responsibility for maximising stakeholder value by identifying and driving technical, financial, and commercial optimisation initiatives to improve returns.
• Contractual Compliance: Ensure each asset meets its obligations and exercises its rights under complex project agreements, including Master Services Agreements (MSAs) and PPAs.
• SPV Management: As the appointed SPV CEO, tasked with managing the Plant Operator using the MSA contract as guidance, ensuring all regulatory and lender requirements are met.
• Financial Oversight: Support the SPV CFO and financial services provider in managing lender relationships, annual operating plans (AOP), budgets, and business plan implementation.
• Risk & Reporting: Manage the risk management framework for each asset and improve the quality and transparency of business reporting to key stakeholders and SPV Boards.

Role requirements

Qualifications:

• A relevant primary degree, diploma or similar in Engineering, Law, or Finance.
  

Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in the South African infrastructure asset management environment.
  
• Strong project- and contract management experience.
• Proven track record of leadership and managing high-performance operational teams.
• Extensive experience reporting to the Boards of Infrastructure Asset Companies.
• Experienced in utility power generation or operational plant environments (advantageous).
  

Industry knowledge, technical competence and skills:

• Utility Scale Renewable Industry: Deep understanding of the South African renewable energy landscape and high-level relationships with entities like Eskom and the DOE (advantageous).
• Project Finance: Knowledge of project finance structures and lender reporting requirements.
• Legal Acumen: Demonstrable ability to manage compliance within complex contractual and governance structures.
• Technical Performance: Proficiency in monitoring and optimising plant reliability & performance and manage EPC contractor defect rectification incl. performance liquidated damages (PLDs).
  

Who we are looking for

Behavioural competencies:

• Strategic Influencer: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at various platforms, both internally and externally.
• Resilient Leader: Ability to enforce and maintain high standards even under significant pressure.
• Culturally Intelligent: Skilled at engaging with diverse stakeholders, including local communities.
• Self-Starter: A strong self-motivator that is detail-oriented with a practical, "can-do" approach to implementing solutions in operational assets.
  

Technical & functional competencies:

• Commercial Astuteness: Sound knowledge of financial management, proficient in the use of financial models and a persistent will to succeed commercially.
• Analytical Rigour: Ability to lead and manage the considered analysis of complex commercial, technical, and financial opportunities or issues.
• Negotiation Skills: Capable of leading negotiations with transaction counterparties, external advisers, and finance providers.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced user of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for high-level reporting (i.e. monthly & quarterly) and data analysis.
  

Performance metrics & success measures:

• Asset Yield: Optimising technical and financial performance against the original business case.
• Compliance: Zero material breaches of project agreements, environmental permits, or health and safety standards.
• Stakeholder Value: Identifying and implementing at least one major technical or commercial optimisation initiative annually.
• ESG Targets: Reporting on the delivery of ED and SED programmes to the relevant stakeholders.
• Financial Health: Accurate budget management and implementation of five-year business plans.
  

  

Why join NOA?

A Once-in-a-Career Mission:  

Joining NOA is an invitation to be part of a growing team at the very forefront of the South African renewable energy industry. We are a dynamic, mission-driven organisation with strong financial backing and a deep commitment to unlocking a just energy transition for our nation. This is a unique moment in history—a chance to shape a new industry from its inception.  

The NOA Way: Culture by Design  

We don't leave our culture to chance; we have intentionally crafted a roadmap called The NOA Way to ensure our business is a remarkable place that houses your highest aspirations. We are "all-in" problem solvers who think big and move with speed to make a significant impact. We value "Performance Connections," the belief that through genuine collaboration, we can achieve results far greater than the sum of our individual parts.  

Investment in Your Evolution:  

We provide a world-class environment designed to help you thrive in a demanding sector:  

• The Powerkit: Every new team member participates in a day-long offsite "experience" in Cape Town to master the skills needed to excel within the NOA system.  

• Continuous Growth: You will benefit from a constant feedback loop through our "RAP" (Review, Analyse, Plan) cadence, alongside coaching resources and "lunch and learns" to own your career path. 

• Supportive Wellbeing: We promote true work-life integration with flexible hours, hybrid work-from-home options, and wellness initiatives specifically designed to "refuel your tank".  

Competitive Reward & Equity:  

We recognise and reward exceptional performance with a framework that allows you to participate in our collective success:  

• Market-Leading Compensation: We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience level.  

• Incentives for Impact: You will be eligible for a performance-related short-term incentive (STI) bonus.  

• Ownership Culture: We offer meaningful equity investment exposure through our staff share scheme, ensuring you are truly invested in the future we are building.