Head of Energy

Our Company
SAO Energy is a renewable-energy investment, development, and service company, dedicated to transforming Africa's energy landscape by providing sustainable, reliable, and clean power to underserved communities, institutions, and businesses. As a portfolio company of the SAO Group of companies, SAO Energy blends innovation, impact, and enterprise to deliver energy solutions across sub-Saharan Africa.

We are on a mission to eliminate energy poverty, particularly in rural and underserved regions by delivering cutting-edge renewable energy solutions that power homes, healthcare centres, businesses, schools, and public utilities. Our purpose is to provide sustainable and affordable electricity that supports economic development, improves quality of life, and fosters environmental sustainability.

At SAO Energy, we are powered by an outstanding, diverse, and highly skilled team of professionals who bring together deep technical expertise, creativity, and a shared commitment to impact. Our people are united by a common purpose of transforming Nigeria's energy landscape through sustainable solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities, and accelerate national development. We foster an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best.

We have very exciting, diverse projects across our portfolio companies ranging from a N35 bn Infrastructure Bond Issuance, a US$60 m renewable energy project, US$45 m education infrastructure, US$100 m Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone amongst other projects.

Role Summary
The Head of Energy provides leadership, technical direction, and business oversight for SAO Group's energy portfolio. The role drives the development, execution, and optimization of energy projects, spanning power solutions, renewable energy, infrastructure delivery, and energy advisory services. This leader ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and long-term growth for both ongoing and prospective energy initiatives across the Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management
• Lead the development and execution of SAO Energy's strategy across power generation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and infrastructure services.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of energy projects—from feasibility studies to commissioning and maintenance.
• Identify new opportunities, partnerships, and innovations that drive expansion and market competitiveness.
• Technical Oversight & Operations Management
• Provide technical guidance on engineering designs, project scoping, procurement, installation, testing, and maintenance.
• Ensure adherence to best practices, engineering standards, safety protocols, and environmental sustainability requirements.
• Monitor project performance, energy output, system reliability, and service delivery effectiveness.
• Financial & Commercial Management
• Develop financial models, project budgets, and cost-optimization strategies for all energy initiatives.
• Drive revenue growth through commercialization of energy products/services and strategic partnerships.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement processes to ensure optimal value.
• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with national and international energy regulations, environmental laws, and safety standards.
• Manage operational risks including technical failures, regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, and energy market fluctuations.
• Lead internal audits, quality checks, and safety programs to maintain operational integrity.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
• Build strong relationships with government bodies, regulatory agencies, investors, donors, and technical partners.
• Represent SAO Energy at stakeholder meetings, industry events, and project negotiations.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and opportunities to the Group CEO and Board.
• Team Management & Capacity Development
• Lead multidisciplinary teams including engineers, technicians, project managers, and field operators.
• Set performance targets and drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.
• Support staff development through training, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Power Systems, or related field.
• Master's Degree (MBA, M.Eng, or related) is an added advantage.
• 15+ years' experience in energy project development, power systems engineering, or energy operations management.
• Proven track record in leading complex energy projects (renewable, off-grid, on-grid, hybrid, or industrial energy systems).
• Demonstrated commercial expertise, budgeting ability, and business development success.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks, energy policies, and environmental standards in the region.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership & decision-making
• Strong technical and engineering expertise
• Caommercial acumen & contract negotiation
• Project and operations management
• Risk assessment & regulatory knowledge
• Excellent communication & stakeholder management
• Team leadership, coaching, and collaboration
• High integrity and professionalism

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