Company: Master Power Systems Limited (MPSL)

Business Unit: Solar & Substation EPC

Reports To: COO / MD

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Geographic Coverage: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda & Tanzania

Travel: Regular travel across project sites and client locations

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.

• 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 evaluations.
  

• Ensure projects meet client specifications, utility standards and applicable industry codes.
  
• Enforce MPSL health, safety and environmental standards across all sites.
  
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, licensing and client/lender ESG requirements across operating countries.
  

• Build and lead a strong technical and commercial Business Unit team.
  
• Set clear objectives, manage performance and develop team capability.
  
• Provide monthly reporting on pipeline, order intake, project delivery, margin, cash, manpower, HSE and key risks.
  
• Maintain high standards of integrity, governance and commercial discipline.
  

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
  
• Minimum 15 years' experience in EPC delivery of HV substations and transmission lines, including senior responsibility for the full project lifecycle.
  
• Demonstrated experience delivering grid-connected, mini-grid or C&I solar PV projects.
  
• Proven track record working with East African utilities and donor-funded programmes, such as KETRACO, KPLC, UETCL, REA, TANESCO or equivalent.
  
• Proven ability to secure EPC orders, lead tender strategy and negotiate contracts through award.
  
• Strong P&L/commercial accountability, including margin management, cost-to-complete forecasting and cash performance.
  
• Strong knowledge of contracts, variations, claims and FIDIC or equivalent forms.
  
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical, commercial and project teams.
  
• Willingness to travel across East Africa; valid passport and ability to obtain work permits.
  

Experience with ERP-based project controls, MS Project or Primavera and AutoCAD. Knowledge of PLS-CADD or PVsyst is an advantage.

We are looking for a leader with:

• Strong commercial judgement and ability to assess risk-adjusted returns.
  
• Proven delivery ownership and project execution discipline.
  
• Deep technical understanding of solar, substations and EPC environments.
  
• Strong contractual and claims management capability.
  
• Leadership maturity and ability to hold teams accountable.
  
• Credibility with utilities, clients, consultants and senior stakeholders.
  
• High integrity and commitment to governance.