Contracts Manager CT or JHB based

Energy Africa Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy firm is seeking a Contracts Manager for an 18-month fixed-term contract in Johannesburg. This role involves overseeing contractual matters for a new wind farm construction project. Ideal candidates will have 5-8 years of experience in contract management within large-scale renewable energy projects, emphasizing risk management, claims handling, and strong negotiation skills.

Benefits

Opportunity to contribute to renewable energy projects

Collaborative environment with industry professionals

Exposure to project delivery and financing structures

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-8 years' experience in contract management within renewable energy or infrastructure projects.
• Proven background managing split or multi-package contracts during construction.
• Strong command of contractual risk management, claims handling, and dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all contractual matters and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage contracts from negotiation to execution and close-out.
• Contribute to risk and opportunity matrix updates focusing on contract execution.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Claims handling

Document management

Analytical skills

Education

Relevant Bachelor's Degree (Legal, Commercial, or Engineering discipline)

Tools

MS Office

Project document management systems

Job description

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An independent power producer in South Africa is driving the growth of clean, reliable energy through large-scale wind and solar projects across the Eastern and Northern Cape.

Focused on sustainable development and local impact, the company delivers integrated solutions from project development and construction to long-term asset management and operations.

The organisation now seeks to appoint a Contracts Manager on an 18-month fixed-term contract to support the construction phase of a newly acquired wind farm.

The role requires deep experience in renewable energy construction projects and the administration of split contracts during execution.

Oversee all contractual matters throughout the project lifecycle to ensure compliance, risk mitigation, and successful execution of agreements.

Manage contracts from negotiation and drafting to execution and close-out, ensuring adherence to terms, timelines, and budgets.

Contribute to updating the project's risk and opportunity matrix, focusing on contract execution and mitigation measures.

Support the drafting and updating of the Project Management Plan.

Administer main contracts and subcontracts, including record-keeping of facts and events, correspondence, minutes, and document management.

Monitor issuance and validity of bonds, guarantees, and other securities, ensuring appropriate enforcement when required.

Manage interfaces between multiple contracts to mitigate cross-impact and maintain alignment.

Organize periodic contractual review meetings and contribute to monthly progress reports to the Head of Operations.

Draft contractual correspondence to clients, partners, contractors, and subcontractors.

Identify and document discrepancies or breaches between contract performance and provisions, ensuring prompt rectification.

Monitor contractor and supplier performance, engaging Category Lead Buyers as needed.

Collaborate with the Head of Operations and Project Administrator to implement an effective document management system for contracts, correspondence, and claims registers.

Reinforce commercial and contractual awareness across all project staff.

Lead and coordinate the management of contractual claims, including preparation of supporting documentation, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution processes.

Act as key liaison with external legal counsel and internal stakeholders for dispute resolution and settlement processes.

Participate actively in multiple governance forums including Steering Committees, Project Boards, and other decision-making bodies to present contractual updates, risks, and recommendations.

Change Control and Claims Management

Supervise implementation of the change-order procedure.

Evaluate, validate, and track all change-order requests and maintain the change-order register.

Oversee execution of approved change orders.

Manage claims in coordination with internal and external legal counsel, including drafting, notifying, and defending claims proactively.

Coordinate investigations for claims received and prepare counterclaims where appropriate.

Participate in litigation processes and court proceedings.

Liaise with Category Lead Buyers regarding key contractors and suppliers managed at group level (Supplier Relationship Management).

Maintain full familiarity with all project contracts and agreements tied to construction activities to maximise benefits and ensure compliance with obligations.

Key Contracts Managed

Wind Turbine Supply Agreement

Balance of Plant Agreement (civil and electrical, with separate electrical subcontractor)

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

Facility Agreements and associated Direct Agreements

Lease Agreements

O&M Agreements (turbine and balance of plant)

Owner's Engineer and Independent Engineer Agreements

Various Interconnection, Implementation, and Self-Build Agreements

Service Level Agreements and Supply Contracts related to the construction plant

Monthly project and contractual status reports.

Change-order and claims reports.

Inputs for counterclaims and legal documentation.

Steering Committee and Board reporting, including escalation of contractual risks and recommendations.

Any additional reports required by the Head of Operations, lenders, insurers, or regulatory authorities.

Relevant Bachelor's Degree (Legal, Commercial, or Engineering discipline).

Minimum 5-8 years' experience in contract management within large-scale renewable energy or infrastructure projects.

Proven background managing split or multi-package contracts during the construction phase.

Solid understanding of Project Finance-type structures and associated agreements.

Strong command of contractual risk management, claims handling, and dispute resolution processes.

Demonstrated experience preparing, negotiating, and closing contractual claims and variations.

Prior experience participating in governance structures such as Steering Committees, Executive Boards, or Project Management Committees.

Excellent drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills.

Demonstrated experience collaborating with EPC contractors, lenders, and legal advisors.

Advanced document control and reporting proficiency (MS Office and project document management systems).

Ability to work under pressure, handle complex interfaces, and support cross-functional teams.

• The opportunity to contribute to a major renewable energy project shaping South Africa's clean energy future.
• Exposure to full-cycle project delivery and financing structures typical of utility-scale wind developments.
• A collaborative environment with experienced technical, commercial, and legal professionals.

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