Engineered Sourcing is partnering with a leading commercial & industrial (C&I) clean energy developer to appoint a highly experienced Senior Project Manager – Wheeling in South Africa.
As Senior Project Manager – Wheeling, you will be the primary point of accountability for the full project lifecycle: initiation, planning, execution, and handover.
Responsibilities include:
- Project organization, schedule adherence, and budget management
- EPC and subcontractor management
- Compliance with South African regulations, utility requirements, and internal standards
- HSE leadership, quality assurance, and stakeholder satisfaction
Key Responsibilities
Project Initiation & Planning
- Support Business Development during commercial negotiations, providing technical, financial, and construction‑related input
- Source and evaluate EPC quotations; negotiate and finalise EPC contracts on favorable terms
- Support negotiation of PPAs and Lease Agreements with cross‑functional teams
- Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource plans
- Conduct Operational Risk Assessments (ORA) and implement mitigation strategies
- Contribute to project financial planning, including cashflow projections
- Review and align electrical, mechanical, and civil quality plans with technical teams
- Secure all necessary permits and licences (e.g. NERSA, distribution companies, utilities) in line with South African regulations
Project Execution & Delivery
- Lead execution of EPC contracts, coordinating internal stakeholders and third‑party contractors
- Implement robust project management tools and methodologies to control scope, time, cost, and quality
- Manage change control processes for scope, schedule, and budget, ensuring timely approvals
- Collaborate with Technical teams on design reviews, structural calculations, and quality plan implementation
- Monitor construction progress, budget performance, and HSE compliance; prepare accurate status and KPI reports
- Drive a strong HSE culture on‑site and support internal and external audits
- Maintain complete and auditable project documentation (reports, inspections, risk registers, approvals)
Project Closure & Handover
- Oversee commissioning activities and ensure full commissioning documentation from EPC contractors
- Finalise all construction documentation and manage a smooth handover to Asset Management and O&M teams
- Conduct post‑project reviews, including performance analysis and lessons learned
- Monitor customer satisfaction post‑handover and address any outstanding issues
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related technical field
- Minimum 8 years’ experience in managerial roles on construction/EPC projects
- Demonstrable experience in wheeling projects and utility approval processes
- Experience in captive energy or PV power plant projects
- Strong familiarity with South African energy regulations and utility interfaces
- Experience working in multinational, matrixed environments
- High awareness of cultural, legal, and regulatory diversity
Preferred
- Project management certifications: PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent
- Previous experience in renewable energy project management, particularly solar PV
Skills & Competencies
- In‑depth knowledge of HSE regulations and quality standards
- Strong commercial and financial acumen (budgeting, financial analysis, cost control)
- Advanced negotiation skills with clients, EPCs, subcontractors, vendors, authorities, and utilities
- Proven leadership and team management capabilities
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills under pressure
- Ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software/tools
- Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)
Why Consider This Role?
- Lead high‑impact renewable energy projects that support decarbonization and energy security in South Africa
- Gain deep exposure to wheeling frameworks, PPAs, and utility interfaces
- Work closely with experienced multidisciplinary teams across engineering, commercial, and operations
- Play a visible role in scaling commercial & industrial clean energy solutions
Benefits
- 21 working days of paid annual vacation
- Private health care for you and your dependents
- Reimbursement of business expenses and travel costs
- Corporate Connectivity / Mobile Allowance