Managing Director Construction

Smart4 Energy; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company is seeking a Managing Director of Construction to oversee construction activities across Africa. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience in the construction industry, including significant experience in renewable energy projects. This role involves strategic oversight, project execution, and collaboration with various stakeholders. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Benefits

Incentives/bonus

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in the construction industry, with 5 years in renewable energy.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale construction projects in Africa.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements for renewable energy projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead oversight of construction activities for renewable projects across Africa.
• Produce and present construction reports to CEO and board.
• Manage budgets and financials while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Skills

Technical Expertise

Leadership

Project Management

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

We are seeking to a Managing Director of Construction. Working for an International Renewable Energy Company. The role is to be based in Cape Town (Preferred), possibly Johannesburg.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high performing and supportive team that is implementing transformational projects across the African continent.

The MD of Construction is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the construction activities of projects across Africa. This role is critical in ensuring the successful execution of renewable (including solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and BESS) and gas projects, maintaining industry-leading standards for cost, quality, safety, and schedule. The MD of Construction will provide strategic oversight, technical expertise, and coordination for projects throughout their lifecycle, from planning to commissioning. This role will also collaborate closely Exco on the status of construction delivery across the portfolio with a focus on risks and mitigants and analysis of potential financial impact.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

• Define and execute the construction approach across Africa, aligning with company goals and regulatory standards

• Lead and manage a team of Project Construction Directors across multiple construction sites, supporting projects across different jurisdictions, technologies and sizes

• Provide technical oversight to ensure construction methodologies and practices are aligned with industry best practices, project and contract requirements, and technological standards

• Produce and present portfolio construction reports to the CEO, board and shareholders noting risks, mitigants and economic impacts

Project Execution and Delivery

• Coordinate and monitor construction projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, safety standards, and quality expectations

• Address and resolve high-level technical, operational, and financial issues on construction projects, acting as an escalation point

• Implement consistent construction practices and protocols across projects to streamline processes and achieve operational efficiencies

• Ensure efficient governance and reporting at project and company level, with fit-for-purpose meeting practices and reporting formats

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Build strong relationships across the organisation for close collaboration and open communication in a matrix-style organisation

• Interface with the Business Development team to provide construction management support to projects under development. Provide input on key project documents, contracts, timelines, staffing (planning project staff structure, sourcing, interviewing, and hiring project construction management staff) and budgets for project execution

• Collaborate with the Managing Director for Operations and Asset Management to integrate learnings from operational assets into future construction methodologies and standards

• Collaborate with business operations team members to integrate the projects’ O&M resources into the construction management team and ensure efficient transition from construction to operations phase at COD

• Engage with regulatory bodies, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure compliance and effective resource allocation

• Build strong relationships with all key project and industry stakeholders, especially OEMs and EPCs

Risk Management and Compliance

• Develop and implement robust risk management practices across construction sites, with a focus on safety, environmental compliance, and community engagement

• Ensure compliance with all local, regional, and international construction regulations, standards, and policies, including those for environmental, health, and safety

Resource Management and Team Development

• Oversee resource planning, procurement, and logistics for construction projects, ensuring adequate equipment, materials, and workforce are available

• Mentor and develop the Project Construction Directors, fostering a culture of safety, performance, and technical excellence

• Manage budgets, forecasts, and project financials, ensuring cost-efficient practices and adherence to financial targets

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• 15+ years of experience in the construction industry, with at least 5 years in renewable energy and thermal power infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated experience in simultaneously managing multiple large-scale construction projects across Africa.

• Strong knowledge of construction, regulatory, and compliance requirements for renewable energy projects and thermal power projects.

• Extensive knowledge and familiarity with the critical aspects of EPC contract terms and conditions, the ability to understand the interrelationships of risks concerning Owner vs. Contractor, and the ability to participate in the negotiation of EPC contracts

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional leadership, specifically in business development and operations/asset management and senior leadership

• The ability and desire to travel internationally and be culturally sensitive to working with all nationalities and cultures

Key Skills Required

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of construction practices for renewable energy and thermal projects, especially in the context of project financed projects

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams across multiple projects and regions

• Project Management: Excellent project management skills, with experience in overseeing complex, large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges in construction timelines, resource allocation, and compliance

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the CEO and board members.

Offer: Competitive base salary + benefits/incentives/bonus