Senior Construction Manager (Owner’s team) – Solar PV (Renewables)

DESCRIPTION

Our client in the renewable energy sector is seeking an experienced Senior Construction Manager to verify and report on the EPCs site-based execution works for a large, utility based Solar works programme being executed under a bespoke FIDIC contract.

 This role is responsible for assessing physical progress, construction quality and site readiness, while identifying risks that could affect cost or completion. The role will provide accurate reporting and maintain reliable construction records to support decisions and claims/disputes and variation requests from mobilisation through commissioning to handover. The role reports to the Project Manager who retains overall delivery accountability and formal contractual authority.  This role manages the small owner’s site-based team, including the outsourced OE’s, Environmental Agents and HSSE professionals.

 The role is based on-site and will work according to the EPC’s construction regime.

 EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Registration as a Professional Construction Manager (PrCM) with SACPCMP is advantageous

 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience overseeing utility-scale solar PV construction from the owner’s side with a working knowledge of FIDIC-based EPC contracts, including change control, notices and the records needed to support commercial assessments

• Practical understanding of civil works, tracker and module installation, DC and AC systems, substations and grid connection

• Experience leading construction teams and overseeing EPC contractors, technical specialists and subcontractor interfaces across multiple sites

• Experience assessing construction sequencing, productivity, resource allocation and recovery plans

• Experience coordinating with Eskom or a comparable grid stakeholder to support energisation and commercial operation milestones

 RESPONSIBILITIES

Site Leadership and Construction Planning:

• Lead the owner’s construction team across assigned sites and coordinate site coverage around priority activities

• Check that contractors have the drawings, approvals, permits, access, materials, equipment and supervision needed before work starts

 Progress and Programme Monitoring:

• Compare physical progress and installed quantities with contractor reports, agreed schedules and short-term plans

• Identify resource constraints, emerging delays and competing demands between sites; assess whether proposed recovery measures are achievable

 Quality, Health, Safety and Environment:

• Coordinate inspection and test hold points, verify required sign-offs before work progresses, and track defects and corrective actions through to closure

• Monitor contractor safety and environmental practices, and ensure the owner’s team follows site requirements

 Risk and Interface Management:

• Manage construction interfaces with grid works, technical teams and other parties, escalating unresolved risks to the Project Manager

• Monitor community and labour issues that may affect construction, and raise concerns promptly

 Reporting and Contract Support:

• Maintain dated records of progress, disruptions, rework and changes to support milestone payment checks, claims assessments and timely escalation to the Project Manager

• Lead daily coordination meetings and produce daily and weekly reports explaining progress variances, resource constraints and emerging milestone risks

 Commissioning and Handover:

• Check readiness for commissioning and handover, including outstanding works, testing prerequisites, as-built records and quality documentation

• Support demobilisation and monitor site resource costs against the approved plan, ensuring sufficient personnel and equipment remain to complete outstanding works

 SKILLS

• Confident, practical leadership with the ability to challenge contractor performance constructively

• Proficiency in Primavera P6 to assess look-ahead schedules, progress and recovery plans

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic document management systems; Aconex experience is preferred

• Fluent English with clear written reporting and stakeholder communication

• Sound judgement under pressure and the ability to prioritise across interdependent construction activities

• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the boundary between site oversight and formal contractual authority

• Respectful engagement with diverse teams, local communities and traditional authorities