HEAD OF SOLAR & SUBSTATION BUSINESS at Master Power Systems Limited in Nairobi, Kenya

    Master Power Systems Limited logo

    HEAD OF SOLAR & SUBSTATION BUSINESS

    Master Power Systems LimitedNairobi, Kenya

    Posted

    2 weeks ago

    Apply by

    5 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    ICT & Telecommunications
    Engineering & Technology

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    Job Description

    Master Power Systems Limited (MPSL) is seeking an experienced Head of Solar & Substation Business to lead the growth, delivery and profitability of its Solar and Substation EPC business across East Africa. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with end-to-end accountability across business development, tendering, project execution, commercial performance and client relationships. The successful candidate will be responsible for winning the right projects at the right commercial terms and ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, to quality and safety standards.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Develop and execute the Solar & Substation business growth strategy across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
    • Build and manage a qualified pipeline across utilities, transmission companies, IPPs, development finance/donor programmes and C&I clients.
    • Develop senior relationships with utilities, regulators, consultants, DFIs, EPC partners and key clients.
    • Identify new markets, partnerships, consortiums and JV opportunities.
    • Represent MPSL in client meetings, industry forums, pre-bid meetings and site visits.
    • Lead bid/no-bid decisions based on technical feasibility, contract risk, resources, payment terms and expected margins.
    • Direct technical and commercial tender preparation, including specifications, BOQs, estimates, pricing and qualifications.
    • Review and approve estimates before submission, ensuring quantities, rates, logistics, duties, escalation, currency exposure and contingencies are properly considered.
    • Lead post-tender clarifications and commercial negotiations through contract award.
    • Own Business Unit performance across order intake, revenue, gross margin, working capital and cash collection.
    • Provide portfolio-level leadership for Solar and Substation projects, including current and future projects.
    • Lead Project Managers, engineers and site teams to deliver projects within approved budgets and programmes.
    • Monitor physical and financial progress, cost-to-complete, resources and project risks.
    • Drive mobilisation, construction, testing, commissioning, handover and final account closure.
    • Proactively address delays, cost overruns, resource constraints and contractual risks.
    • Ensure accurate project budgets, valuations, progress claims and cost forecasts.
    • Identify and pursue variations, extensions of time and contractual claims.
    • Protect the company's position on payment terms, retention, performance security, liquidated damages and other contractual exposures.
    • Support procurement through accurate material requirements, technical specifications and vendor evaluation.

    Required Qualifications

    • Systems design
    • Power and energy solutions
    • Project management
    • Project preparation and planning
    • Bachelor's degree

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Engineering & Technology

    Minimum Experience

    10 years

    Education Level

    Bachelor’s Degree

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Send your application to the company via the application link provided on this page.

    Leading Solar & Substation EPC: What the Hiring Team Will Probe

    This is a senior leadership role that blends technical depth with commercial grit. The hiring team will be looking for proof you can win complex EPC tenders and then deliver them without margin erosion. Expect questions that test your grasp of East African energy markets, contract risk, and project controls.

    1. Show a track record of winning tenders: Be ready to walk through specific bids you led — from go/no-go decisions to contract award. Quantify the value, the margin, and how you handled commercial risks like currency exposure or liquidated damages.

    2. Demonstrate portfolio-level project oversight: This role isn't about one site — it's about juggling multiple projects across countries. Prepare examples of how you've monitored cost-to-complete, managed resource constraints, and intervened when projects slipped.

    3. Prove your stakeholder muscle: You'll deal with utilities, DFIs, and regulators. Have stories that show you can build trust with senior clients and navigate government processes. Mention any experience with regional bodies like EAC or specific utilities like Kenya Power.

    4. Get technical without getting lost: You don't need to be the chief engineer, but you must speak the language. Refresh your knowledge of solar PV systems, substation equipment, and grid integration. Be ready to challenge technical assumptions in a bid.

    5. Master the numbers: The COO will probe your commercial acumen. Practice explaining how you've improved gross margin, managed working capital, and accelerated cash collection. Have a clear story about a time you turned around a loss-making project.

    6. Know the East African landscape: This role covers Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Show you understand the energy policies, major players, and upcoming tenders in each market. Mention any regional experience you have, even if it's just travel.

    7. Prepare for scenario questions: Expect hypotheticals like 'a client wants to change scope mid-project — how do you handle it?' or 'a key supplier fails to deliver — what's your plan?' Practice structured answers that show you balance firmness with flexibility.

    8. Bring your own questions: Smart candidates interview the company too. Ask about the current project pipeline, the team structure, and how success is measured in the first year. It shows you're already thinking like the person in the seat.

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    Tags

    solar
    substation
    EPC
    project management
    business development