Project Manager – Off-Grid Solar PV and BESS at Allied Talent Partners
Allied Talent Partners · Johannesburg, South Africa · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in Johannesburg
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
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.
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.
