Senior Manager: Procurement (Solar PV Projects)

Energy Vault; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Vault is seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead a procurement team focused on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and renewable energy projects. The role includes strategic procurement management, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management, requiring a minimum of 8 years in similar roles. The ideal candidate will possess a degree related to engineering or business and has proven expertise in the renewable energy sector.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Opportunities for career progression

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in similar roles with increasing responsibility.
• Minimum 4 years of experience specifically in renewable energy procurement.
• Proven track record of managing complex procurement projects in the energy sector.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the procurement function for solar PV projects from inception to completion.
• Negotiate complex commercial agreements with suppliers of solar PV components and services.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for solar PV components and services.
• Manage procurement budgets and provide accurate cost forecasting for solar PV projects.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Professional certification (CIPS, CPIM, PRQS or equivalent)

Advanced certification in renewable energy

Job description

About the Company

Since its establishment in 2008, Mulilo has grown into one of the leading Independent Power Producers (IPP) in Southern Africa. Mulilo is majority owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, the world’s leading private equity investor in renewable energy assets, through its New Markets Fund I. Mulilo has concluded numerous PPA's in both the Department of Mineral Energy's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) and with several large corporate energy users. Mulilo currently operates 450MW of wind and solar PV projects and has a further 500MW of projects under financial close and close to 1GWh of energy storage projects awarded with its partners. Having adopted a strategy that aligns with the company's long-term vision, Mulilo has accumulated a pipeline of projects exceeding 25GW, and is now positioned as a key player in the renewable energy sector.

Mulilo places strong emphasis on its human capital and prides itself in providing a world class working environment for all its employees, thereby placing huge value on career progression and personal growth.

Mulilo is guided by strong ethical principles and adheres to its environmental, social and governance responsibilities.

About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)

Founded in 2012, CIP is the world’s largest dedicated renewable energy fund manager and a global leader in offshore wind. CIP currently manages over 30 billion Euro’s, with a target of having 100 billion Euros under management by 2030. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X.

About this role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead a team in our Procurement department with expertise in Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and renewable energy projects. This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in contract negotiation, supplier management, and comprehensive knowledge of solar PV facility components and supply chains.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategic Procurement Management

• Lead and manage the procurement function for solar PV projects from inception to completion.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for solar PV components and services.
• Oversee end-to-end procurement processes including supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management.
• Ensure cost-effective procurement while maintaining quality standards and project timelines.
• Manage procurement budgets and provide accurate cost forecasting for solar PV projects.

Contract Management & Negotiation

• Negotiate complex commercial agreements with suppliers of solar PV components and services.
• Negotiate and manage various contract types including EPC contracts, component supply agreements, and service contracts.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company requirements in all contractual arrangements.
• Manage contract variations, claims, and dispute resolution processes.

Solar PV Technical Knowledge

• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of solar PV system components including:
  • Photovoltaic modules and inverters
  • Mounting systems and tracking equipment
  • Electrical components (cables, switchgear, transformers)
  • Monitoring and control systems
  • Grid connection equipment
  • Balance of system (BOS) components
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure procurement specifications align with project requirements.
• Stay current with technological advances and market trends in solar PV industry.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage a team of procurement professionals.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Set performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Foster a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train, and retain skilled procurement professionals.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers in the solar PV industry.
• Conduct supplier and contractor assessments, qualification, and performance reviews.
• Implement supplier development programs to improve quality and delivery performance.
• Manage supplier risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Establish and maintain a diverse supplier base including local and international suppliers.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate procurement-related risks in solar PV projects.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Implement quality assurance processes for procured components and services.
• Manage supply chain risks including logistics, quality, delivery and ESG risks.
• Maintain compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements.
  

Required skills and education background

• Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, Quantity Surveying or related field.
• Professional certification (CIPS, CPIM, PRQS or equivalent) advantageous.
• Advanced certification in renewable energy or solar PV technology is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in similar roles with increasing responsibility.
• Minimum 4 years of experience specifically in renewable energy procurement.
• Proven track record of managing complex procurement projects in the energy sector.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and management.
• Experience with large-scale infrastructure or construction projects preferred.
• Understanding of solar PV system components, specifications, and quality standards.
• Knowledge of renewable energy industry regulations and standards.
• Familiarity with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) processes and contracts.
• Knowledge of electrical systems, power electronics, and grid integration.
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and import/export procedures.
• Advanced negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Commercial acumen and cost management expertise.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Work Environment

• Office-based with regular site visits to solar PV facilities.
• Domestic and international travel may be required (up to 20%).
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams.
• May require occasional extended hours during project critical phases.

Desirable attributes

The ideal candidate would have a passion for the Renewable Energy sector and personality traits would include a high level of diligence, determination, resilience, and agility.

Mulilo is an employer of choice and is offering an extremely competitive total remuneration package for this position.

Additional Information

Able to work overtime according to operational needs.

The position is based at the offices of the company, but travel may be required occasionally.