Grid Modernization Project Manager

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work with site visits

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa is seeking a Grid Modernization Project Manager to lead planning, execution and delivery of grid upgrade projects. This hybrid role requires coordinating with internal teams and external vendors to ensure on-time, on-budget results.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, 7+ years in project management for power systems, and familiarity with SCADA/AMI/DERMS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; PMP desirable.
• 7+ years in project management, with power systems or grid modernization experience.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiar with SCADA, AMI, DERMS and grid analytics.
• Experience budgeting, scheduling, risk and change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of grid modernization projects (smart metering, grid automation, DER integration).
• Define scope, objectives, deliverables and success criteria with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans: timelines, resources, budgets.
• Manage execution, track milestones, identify and mitigate risks.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, IT, vendors and contractors.
• Ensure effective communication and stakeholder engagement throughout.
• Maintain project documentation: status reports, risk logs, change requests.
• Oversee QA/QC to meet required standards.
• Conduct post-project evaluations and capture lessons learned.
• Stay updated on emerging smart grid technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science or related

PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic energy infrastructure company focused on enhancing grid stability and efficiency, is seeking a skilled Grid Modernization Project Manager to join their team in Benoni, Gauteng. This role is responsible for the planning, execution, and successful delivery of projects aimed at upgrading and modernizing the electricity grid. The Project Manager will oversee all phases of the project lifecycle, from initiation and planning through to execution, monitoring, and closure. This includes managing scope, budget, schedule, resources, and stakeholder communications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of power systems, smart grid technologies, and project management methodologies. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the critical infrastructure development in Gauteng and South Africa. We are looking for a proactive leader with a proven ability to manage complex technical projects and navigate regulatory environments. Your efforts will directly impact the reliability and resilience of the energy network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of grid modernization projects, including smart metering, grid automation, and distributed energy resource integration.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Manage project execution, track progress against milestones, and identify and mitigate risks and issues.
• Coordinate with internal teams (engineering, operations, IT) and external vendors and contractors.
• Ensure effective communication and stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage project documentation, including status reports, risk logs, and change requests.
• Oversee quality assurance and control processes to ensure project deliverables meet required standards.
• Conduct post-project evaluations and identify lessons learned for future projects.
• Stay abreast of emerging smart grid technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field; PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with a significant portion focused on power systems, grid modernization, or smart grid projects.
• Solid understanding of grid infrastructure, including substations, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Familiarity with smart grid technologies such as SCADA, AMI, DERMS, and grid analytics.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in risk management and change management.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Experience working within the utility sector in South Africa is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Work in a challenging and rewarding role in Benoni, Gauteng, contributing to the advancement of South Africa's energy infrastructure.
• This hybrid position offers a flexible working arrangement, combining office-based planning with potential for site visits and remote work.