DESCRIPTION
Our client in the renewable energy sector is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of 560MW of utility-scale solar PV projects in South Africa. Based in Johannesburg, the successful candidate will take responsibility for project execution under a fully wrapped, bespoke FIDIC contract.
This role is responsible for coordinating the owner’s project team, EPC contractors and specialist support functions across complex construction and grid connection activities. Acting as the Employer’s Representative, the Project Manager will oversee contractual performance, project risks and stakeholder interfaces, while maintaining strong safety, environmental and reporting standards throughout execution and handover.
Previous experience in executing renewable energy projects under REIPPP for project sizes over 100MW and R1b is essential.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Formal training and advanced knowledge of FIDIC or comparable construction contracts
A master’s degree in Business Administration or Project Management is highly advantageous
Professional Project Manager registration with PMSA, or eligibility and progression towards registration on appointment, is advantageous and preferred
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Proven track record delivering complex energy construction projects exceeding 100 MW and R100 million through to commercial operation
Experience managing concurrent projects or multiple construction packages with interdependent schedules and interfaces
Experience within South Africa’s REIPPPP programme and Eskom self-build works is preferred
Experience managing multi-billion-rand EPC contracts across a portfolio of South African projects is highly advantageous
Proven engagement with Eskom or a comparable grid stakeholder to coordinate energisation and commercial operation deadlines
Strong experience in EPC contract administration, claims assessment, variations and cost control
Experience managing construction risks, community relations and delivery challenges within South African infrastructure projects
Experience leading an established project team and coordinating specialist functions within a matrix reporting structure
Experience producing consistent project reporting for management, boards and lenders
RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Leadership and Coordination:
Lead project execution from pre-financial close through commissioning and commercial operation
Manage the owner’s project team and coordinate engineering, planning, quality, commercial and other specialist support
Maintain project management plans, clarify delivery priorities and resolve resource or interface constraints
Contract and Commercial Management:
Act as the Employer’s Representative, issuing contractual instructions and certifications within delegated authority
Manage contractual correspondence, assess claims and variations, and address potential disputes early
Verify milestone completion and contractor invoices, and support cost forecasting, funding drawdowns and insurance claims
Programme and Risk Management:
Monitor contractor progress against baseline schedules and validate reported progress against work completed
Identify delivery risks early and implement mitigation plans with the relevant technical and support teams
Assess the cost and schedule effects of proposed changes and ensure approval before implementation
Safety, Environment and Stakeholder Engagement:
Ensure project activities meet applicable safety, environmental, permitting and project compliance requirements
Reporting, Commissioning and Handover:
Lead project meetings and provide accurate progress, risk and forecast inputs for management, board and lender reporting
Oversee commissioning, performance testing, completion certification and handover to operations
Capture project lessons and prepare close-out records to support improvements across future projects
SKILLS
Strong project leadership, team development and coordination skills
Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6
Sound commercial judgement and detailed understanding of EPC contractual obligations
Fluent English with excellent written reporting and verbal communication
Strong negotiation, stakeholder management and conflict resolution skills
Ability to interpret project data and assess dependencies across multiple workstreams
Cross-cultural awareness, ethical judgement and respectful community engagement
Ability to remain effective under pressure and adapt to changing delivery priorities
Willingness to travel locally and internationally, including international assignments where required
