Senior Project Manager - Energy Sector Development

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead critical development initiatives in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale energy infrastructure and renewable projects, coordinating cross-disciplinary teams and ensuring alignment with safety and sustainability targets.

The role combines on-site leadership in Richards Bay with remote flexibility under a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 9 years of progressive project management experience, with a substantial energy/utilities background.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) or related field; master's and PMP/PRINCE2 preferred.
• Experience delivering large-scale capital projects (power plants, transmission lines, renewables).

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end lifecycle of major energy sector developments from feasibility to commissioning.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, objectives, timelines and resources.
• Manage budgets, forecasts and cost control.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers, contractors and specialists.
• Identify and manage risks, issues and dependencies.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental and quality standards are met.
• Engage stakeholders including government, communities and industry partners.
• Communicate progress and decisions to senior management.
• Drive innovation and adopt best practices in energy project execution.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to capture lessons learned.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) or related technical field

Master's degree

PMP/PRINCE2 certification

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major energy provider, is seeking an accomplished Senior Project Manager to spearhead key development projects within the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region. This role is instrumental in managing the planning, execution, and successful delivery of large-scale energy infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in the energy sector, with a strong understanding of project complexities, regulatory environments, and stakeholder management. This position requires a strategic thinker capable of driving projects from conception through to completion, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and operational excellence. The role embraces a hybrid work model, combining essential on-site presence with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end project lifecycle for major energy sector developments, including feasibility studies, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Develop detailed project plans, defining scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Manage project budgets, financial forecasts, and cost control measures diligently.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including engineers, contractors, and specialists.
• Identify, assess, and proactively manage project risks, issues, and dependencies.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards throughout all project phases.
• Engage and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, community leaders, and industry partners.
• Communicate project progress, performance, and key decisions effectively to senior management and relevant parties.
• Drive innovation in project execution and adopt best practices within the energy sector.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to capture lessons learned and implement improvements.

Requirements

• A minimum of 9 years of progressive project management experience, with a significant portion within the energy or utilities sector.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or PMP/PRINCE2 certification is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale capital projects (e.g., power plants, transmission lines, renewable energy installations).
• Expertise in project management methodologies and tools, with proficiency in Primavera P6 or similar scheduling software.
• Strong understanding of the energy market, regulatory frameworks, and environmental considerations.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder environments and ensure effective communication.
• Must be willing to travel within the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region and surrounding areas as required.
• A commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and industry-specific training.
• Exposure to challenging and impactful projects in the renewable energy space.
• A collaborative and safety-conscious work culture.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance of office and remote work.