Senior Project Manager – Wheeling

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.

This is a strategic leadership role, responsible for the end-to-end delivery of wheeling and captive energy projects, ensuring they are executed safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest technical and regulatory standards.

Role Overview

As Senior Project Manager – Wheeling, you will be the primary point of accountability for:

• Full project lifecycle: initiation, planning, execution, and handover
• Project organisation, 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
• You will work closely with Business Development, Technical, Legal, Asset Management, O&M teams, as well as clients, utilities, and regulatory bodies.

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 licenses (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

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person