E&S Manager

Copper Quail; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Africa is seeking an experienced Environmental & Social (E&S) Manager to oversee environmental and social compliance for renewable energy projects. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management or similar field and 8–15 years of experience in environmental consulting or renewable energy projects. Strong knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory compliance is necessary. This position plays a key role in ensuring projects meet required standards and facilitates project delivery through various stages.

Qualifications

• 8–15 years’ experience in environmental consulting, advisory or renewable energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with REIPPPP or large infrastructure/energy projects advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental and social permitting for renewable energy projects across development, construction and operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, permits, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct environmental and social due diligence for new projects and acquisitions.

Skills

Environmental permitting and regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or similar field

Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Management, Environmental Law, or related discipline

Job description

Cape Town, South Africa | Posted on 03/04/2026

Copper Quail’s objective is to become a trusted partner within our clients’ organizations in Africa, understanding not only the people at their heart, but also their culture and ethos. We are Recruitment Advisors, specializing in Executive Search, Contingency Recruitment, Headhunting, Outsourced Labour and training. Using our significant market knowledge across, experience and judgement to help our clients employ the best qualified individuals for each position in Africa.

We’re known for our successful track record, responsiveness and discretion. We have a high performance culture and employ only experienced recruiters. These knowledgeable professionals provide a high level of service, deliver effective solutions and foster successful relationships through regular conversations with clients and candidates.

Job Description

Environmental & Social (E&S) Manager – Renewable Energy

We are recruiting for our renewable energy client seeking an experienced Environmental & Social (E&S) Manager to support and oversee environmental and social compliance across utility‑scale renewable energy projects through development, construction and operations.

The successful candidate will ensure projects meet regulatory, permitting, and international environmental standards, while supporting the successful delivery of projects to financial close and operational stages.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage environmental and social permitting for renewable energy projects across development, construction and operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, permits, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and manage project permit registers and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Oversee environmental consultants and specialist service providers.
• Conduct environmental and social due diligence for new projects and acquisitions.
• Support projects to achieve Financial Close from an environmental and social compliance perspective.
• Implement ESMS frameworks aligned with IFC standards and Equator Principles.
• Provide environmental and social risk assessments and compliance reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or similar field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Management, Environmental Law, or related discipline preferred.
• 8–15 years’ experience in environmental consulting, advisory or renewable energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with REIPPPP or large infrastructure/energy projects advantageous.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, reporting and project management skills.