Director – Sustainable Energy Solutions (Africa) - (Director Level)

ERM is looking for applicants at a Director Level to join our Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) / Renewables team in Johannesburg, South Africa. The successful applicant will work closely with ERMs global green hydrogen advisory team (the Sustainable Energy Solutions Team or SES Team) based in Europe, and (at this stage) will focus on the onshore green hydrogen sector. Please note that the SES Team consists of Element Energy and E4Tech.

We are seeking a candidate with a passion for driving positive impact in industrial decarbonization and the renewables (including green hydrogen) sector. The candidate should be driven to succeed with a one global team mindset. Having technical knowledge and experience working on green hydrogen projects in Africa, and knowledge and experience of the African renewable energy market will be required.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include:

• Technical advisory consulting services in the green hydrogen sector including technical due diligence (TDD), vendors due diligence (VDD), and lenders technical advisory (LTA).
• In close partnership with other relevant role players at ERM to position ERM as the trusted expert for green hydrogen advisory services in Africa, including strategy development, sales growth, talent acquisition, and acting as a thought leader and ambassador for our brand.
• Support on development of the strategy for how ERM targets and approaches the green hydrogen transaction advisory and technical advisory segment in Africa, and then execute in conjunction with other seniors and team members across the business.
• Potentially lead on an accelerated talent acquisition campaign, building a market leading team of specialist engineers and consultants to serve the market. ERM has a clear mandate to grow rapidly, with a significant growth target and major headcount increase already pre-agreed. The successful candidate may be expected to recruit from within their own network, and work with our talent acquisition team to rapidly scale the team.
• Lead in the pursuit of and ultimately close new consulting engagements with financial services firms (banks, institutions, other investors, etc.), and independent power producers (IPPs), leveraging ERMs existing key client account program.
• Develop and expand long-term client relationships that will lead to repeat business and maintain ERMs impressive repeat engagement rate.
• Manage all aspects of successful client engagement, including continual improvement and excellence in customer service.
• Act in the role(s) of engagement manager, project leader, and/or senior subject matter expert (SME), as well as account leadership for either key or high-growth, high-value (HGHV) clients.
• Support the continual development of the SES team tools and intellectual property, including tech enablement solutions to differentiate and streamline technical advisory work including the development of digital offerings.
• Support with winning, and delivery of technical work relating to the green hydrogen sector within ERM as needed, including market intelligence and management consulting.
• Actively team with colleagues in other offices, regions, and service lines to identify and deliver project opportunities.
• Collaborate and work within the regional SES team whilst reporting into the African renewables team.
• Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and other documents for client deliverables.

Requirements

Requirements include:

• Bachelors Degree in engineering, renewable energy technology, general management, business administration or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 to 12 years' experience in the renewable energy business (advisory, R&D, project development, engineering and construction, etc.).
• Track record of successful delivery of technical advisory to clients within the green hydrogen industry.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and grow a high performing team.
• Track record in selling and delivering consulting services to senior client representatives.
• Relevant professional and/or industry certifications.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated thought leadership through industry publications and forums.
• High proficiency with standard industry software tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office suite).
• Ability to communicate frequently with clients and co-workers and share information effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively in both office based and remote environments.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills both quantitative and qualitative.
• Flexibility and responsiveness in managing multiple projects simultaneously (sometimes under pressured conditions).
• Self-motivated with an ability to work independently.
• Proficient at planning, directing, and coordinating the work activity of others.
• Frequent travel by airplane or car as necessary to perform work at other locations.

ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status or disability status.

Thank you for your interest in joining ERM.