Legal and Contract Manager

The Talent Hive; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A legal services company is seeking a Legal and Contract Manager to provide essential support in managing legal risks associated with project development and energy operations. You will draft and negotiate various contracts while ensuring compliance and managing claims effectively. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in contract management, particularly in renewable energy projects, and possess strong communication and project management skills. This role demands a proactive approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience with top law firm and in-house experience preferred.
• Experience in IPP Project development and renewable energy projects.
• Background in EPC Contract Management including claims and disputes.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and contract management support to mitigate risks.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage a variety of agreements.
• Oversee change order procedures and manage claims.

Skills

Contract Management

Excellent communication skills

Project management

Critical thinking

Education

LLB

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the job Legal and Contract Manager

The purpose of the role is to provide legal and contract management support services to the Group and its subsidiaries to ensure the effective management of legal and contractual risks for all group activities, portfolio investments, and their underlying projects.

Legal and Contract Manager reports to the Executive General Counsel.

Project Development Support

• Support Pro Dev business unit to draft, manage, negotiate and execute a range of agreements relating
  to the companies project development pipeline including, joint venture agreements, land lease options,
  land agreements, memorandums of understanding, joint development agreements and sale-leaseback
  arrangements.
• Support bid activities and ensure compliance of bids with RFP requirements
• Support engagements with various authorities related to project development, including environmental
  authorities, municipalities, and others as appropriate.
• Support negotiation and drafting of project documents, specifically power purchase agreements and
  project development agreements for commercial and industrial clients.

Energy Operations Support

• Draft, negotiate and advise on Management Services Agreements, Construction Management
  Agreements and Operations & Maintenance Agreements
• Manage risk associated with Energy Operations contracts

Contribute to Project Management Processes

• Setting and updating of IPP Projects as per contractual agreements from the Tender stage to
  Operation & Maintenance - full project cycle.
• Update the risk and opportunity matrix, focusing on contract execution and mitigation measures.
• Provide support to the implementation Project Risk Management Procedure for identifying project risks
  during the project lifecycle.

Change Order Control and Management

• Implement and oversee the change order procedure, validating requests and maintaining records.
• Manage claims in collaboration with internal and external legal teams.
• Coordinate claim investigations, prepare counterclaims, and participate in litigation as needed.
• Conduct preliminary due diligence on suppliers, Major & Subcontractors to ensure compliance with
  project specifications.
• Provide guidance to contract administrators/project team when dealing with various contracts,
  including asset management, and tracking of progress in line with the applicable contract schedule.

Contractual Awareness and Communication

• Familiarize and provide updates to all employees/stakeholders with key contracts, agreements, and
  obligations.
• Provide permanent support to reinforce commercial and contractual awareness.
• Direct the Contract Management activities of project team members in the execution of projects.
• Support the Project Managers in preparing reports to the Lenders Technical Advisor and co ordinate
  with the Contract Administrator/Proposal engineer to ensure all supporting documentation is provided
  timeously.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• LLB
• Admitted Attorney
• 8 + years experience with top law firm and in-house experience preferred
• Contract Management, IPP Project experience/renewable energy project experience.
• EPC Contract Management experience (Claims and disputes)
• IPP Project Development & Construction (Solar and Wind Farms) / EPC and PPA negotiations
  experience
• Outstanding business acumen, decisive critical thinking skills and subtle professional confidence
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects with shifting priorities, work
• Independently and operate in a fast-paced, dynamic and matrixed environment
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills