Senior Project Manager - Wheeling Renewable Projects

Yellow Door Energy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 750 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sustainable energy partner is seeking a Senior Project Manager to drive the delivery of Wheeling Renewable Projects in Johannesburg. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in construction project management, particularly in wheeling projects and utility approvals. Responsibilities include project planning, execution, scale adherence, and ensuring compliance with South African regulations. This role emphasizes stakeholder engagement and risk management, contributing to the company's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience in managerial roles for construction/EPC projects.
• Proven experience in Wheeling Projects and Utility Approval Processes.
• Familiarity with South African regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of Wheeling projects.
• Monitor project budget, schedule, and HSE compliance.
• Oversee commissioning activities and project handover.

Skills

Project Management

Negotiation

Risk Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field

Project Management certificates (PMP or Prince 2)

Job description

Senior Project Manager - Wheeling Renewable Projects

Yellow Door Energy (YDE) is the leading sustainable energy partner for businesses, serving commercial and industrial customers in the Middle East and Africa.

Our clean energy solutions enable businesses to reduce energy costs, improve power reliability, and lower carbon emissions.

Yellow Door Energy's shareholders include Actis, Mitsui & Co, TAEF, and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

At the forefront of transforming the energy landscape, YDE is proud to be an equal opportunity organization, committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for all.

About the Role

The Senior Project Manager – Wheeling will lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of Wheeling and captive energy projects in South Africa.

This role serves as the primary point of accountability for project organization, schedule adherence, budget management, and contractor oversight.

The Senior Project Manager will ensure projects comply with regulatory requirements, technical standards, and YDE's operational policies, while maintaining high standards of HSE, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.

KRA 1 : Project Initiation and Planning

Objective: Ensure successful project kick‑off, feasibility assessment, and alignment with strategic and technical requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Business Development (BD) team during commercial negotiations, providing technical, financial, and construction‑related inputs.
• Source quotations for IC‑approved projects, review proposals, negotiate, and finalize EPC contracts with optimal terms for YDE.
• Collaborate with BD and Legal teams in negotiating PPA (Power Purchase Agreements) and Lease Agreements.
• Define project scopes, objectives, and deliverables, ensuring technical feasibility and compliance with local regulations.
• Conduct operational risk assessments (ORA) and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure timely allocation of resources and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate potential subcontractors and provide input for project financial planning, including cashflow projections.
• Review and align electrical, mechanical, and civil quality plans with the Technical Team; oversee inspection and test procedures.
• Ensure compliance with South African regulations and obtain all necessary permits and licenses from authorities (e.g., NERSA, distribution companies).

Expected Outcomes: All project initiation documents, risk assessments, and contracts completed before mobilization. Regulatory approvals secured within defined timelines. Technical and financial feasibility of projects confirmed.

KRA 2 : Project Execution and Delivery

Objective: Ensure seamless execution of projects within scope, budget, and schedule while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

Responsibilities:

• Lead EPC contract execution, coordinating internal teams and third‑party contractors.
• Implement project management tools and techniques to monitor scope, schedule, costs, and performance.
• Identify, assess, and manage changes to project scope, schedule, and budget, ensuring timely approvals.
• Collaborate closely with the Technical Team on design review, structural calculations, and quality plan implementation.
• Monitor and report progress on construction, budget, and HSE compliance.
• Facilitate HSE adherence on‑site and support internal audits.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including progress reports, inspection records, and risk registers.

Expected Outcomes: Projects delivered on‑time, within budget, and according to YDE quality standards. HSE incidents minimized and regulatory compliance achieved. Accurate and timely reporting to stakeholders.

KRA 3 : Project Closure and Handover

Objective: Ensure successful project completion and transition to Asset Management and O&M teams.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee commissioning activities and ensure submission of the complete commissioning package from EPC contractors.
• Finalize construction documentation and hand over projects to Asset Management and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) teams.
• Conduct post‑project evaluation, including performance analysis and identification of lessons learned.
• Monitor and report on customer satisfaction and address any post‑handover concerns.

Expected Outcomes: All projects formally closed with full regulatory and contractual compliance. High customer satisfaction ratings and smooth operational transition. Lessons learned captured for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in managerial roles for construction / EPC projects.
• Proven experience in Wheeling Projects and Utility Approval Processes.
• Experience in Captive Energy or PV Power Plant projects.
• Familiarity with South African regulations and multinational, matrixed working environments.
• Awareness of cultural differences and varying legal / regulatory environments.
• Preferred: Project Management certificates (PMP or Prince 2).
• Previous experience in PV Power Plant Project Management.

YDE is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for all.