Project Manager – Off-Grid Solar PV and BESS

Project Manager – Off-Grid Solar PV and BESS

Department: Project Finance

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: South Africa

Reporting To: Project Director

Description Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa.  ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview 
Client is an Africa-focused renewable energy developer and independent power producer delivering clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions for industrial and public-sector clients. The organisation develops, finances, and operates grid-tied and off-grid solar and storage systems across Southern Africa, with a strong focus on water, agriculture, and mining value chains. 

The client is seeking a Project Manager to support the delivery of a 45 MW (total) off-grid solar and battery energy storage project across three units in Limpopo. Reporting to the Project Director, the Project Manager will be responsible for day-to-day project execution – including detailed planning and scheduling, procurement coordination, construction management, quality and safety compliance, cost control, and reporting.  

The role requires strong technical and commercial acumen, hands-on project management experience in large-scale renewable or infrastructure projects, and the ability to coordinate contractors and teams across multiple sites to ensure safe, timely, and on-budget delivery in accordance with NEC contract requirements and the client's quality and HSE standards. 

Role and Responsibilities
Role: Project Manager – Off-Grid Solar PV and BESS
Direct Report:  Project Director
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:
 
Project Planning & Coordination

• Develop and maintain the detailed project execution plan, schedule, and resource allocation. 
• Coordinate all design, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities to ensure alignment with scope, cost, and quality parameters. 
• Track and forecast progress using earned value and performance measurement tools, flagging deviations proactively. 
• Report key milestones, risks, and performance metrics to the Project Director.

NEC Contract Administration

• Act as the NEC Project Manager representative (if delegated) or internal lead executing all NEC contract processes. 
• Manage early warnings, compensation events, and change notifications in line with contract requirements
• Maintain accurate records of instructions, communications, and contractual events. 
• Support the Project Director in negotiation of variations, claims, and commercial resolutions

Risk, Quality & Safety Management

• Maintain and implement the project risk register, driving proactive mitigation of identified risks. 
• Enforce adherence to the client's Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and OHS management plans. 
• Coordinate QA/QC systems to ensure compliance with SANS/IEC and project technical standards. 
• Escalate major deviations or incidents to the Project Director and Steering Committee promptly. 

Financial & Cost Control

• Track project cost performance and cash flow against the approved budget. 
• Validate and process contractor progress payments, claims, and change orders. 
• Prepare monthly financial forecasts and variance analyses for review with the Project Director. 
• Support financial governance and audit readiness across all project workstreams.

Stakeholder & Client Coordination

• Manage operational-level coordination with the end-user and alignment on daily project matters. 
• Liaise with contractors, consultants, and local authorities for permits, inspections, and site readiness. 
• Support the Project Director with stakeholder communication, community relations, and issue resolution. 
• Manage site meetings, records, and follow-up actions to ensure transparent coordination. 

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports, dashboards, and risk logs for the Project Director. 
• Maintain up-to-date documentation - drawings, submittals, test reports, and quality dossiers. 
• Provide accurate inputs for Steering Committee and Executive reporting. 
• Capture lessons learned and ensure full documentation close-out post-commissioning

Requirements Experience Required:

• 7–10 years' experience managing EPC or infrastructure projects, including at least 3 years in solar PV or renewable energy. 
  
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, contractors, and consultants. 
  
• Strong understanding of NEC contract administration, project controls, and cost management. 
  
• Experience delivering projects in complex environments with multiple stakeholders and regulatory interfaces

Technical Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Industrial). 
• Professional registration (PrEng or PMP/Prince2) preferred. 
• Strong understanding of NEC contract administration, project controls, and cost management. 
• Proficiency in project planning tools (MS Project, Primavera) and cost-control systems. 
• Working knowledge of HSE, quality, and environmental management systems. 
• Familiarity with solar PV, BESS, and hybrid power system integration

Other Skills:

• Organised and Structured: Manages complexity through disciplined processes. 
• Accountable: Takes full ownership of delivery within assigned scope. 
• Collaborative: Works transparently with PD, engineering, commercial, and site teams. 
• Detail-Oriented: Maintains documentation accuracy and control discipline. 
• Proactive Problem Solver: Identifies risks early and drives resolution. 
• Calm Under Pressure: Maintains composure and focus in dynamic site conditions. 
• Candidates with experience under NEC frameworks and multi-site coordination will be prioritised. 
• Local or regional (Southern Africa) candidates preferred 

Working Arrangement
Location: Limpopo, with regular site presence required
Travel: Periodic travel to the end-user's head office (Pretoria) and for coordination and stakeholder meetings as needed

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: Immediate / November 2025. 
Contracting Period: 24 months (project-based), aligned with construction and commissioning timelines.

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