Open position
Project Manager
SOLINK is looking for a Project Manager to manage a portfolio of construction projects in the capacity of Principal Agent/Owner's Engineer across all sectors of the solar PV and battery energy storage market. Based in Johannesburg, with frequent travel to project sites across South Africa, the successful candidate will take ownership of their projects, hold contractors and consultants to account, and deliver projects safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standard.
Johannesburg, South AfricaSite & OfficeFull-TimeR40,000 – R50,000 CTC per month (negotiable)
What you will be doing
- Take full ownership of assigned projects from contractor appointment through construction, commissioning and close-out, with accountability for programme, cost, quality, risk and overall client outcomes
- Lead and facilitate solar PV and battery energy storage projects, ensuring successful delivery across the full project lifecycle
- Act as Principal Agent and trusted advisor to the Client, coordinating client-appointed quantity surveyors, architects, structural engineers and other professional teams
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the Project Owner/Client, providing clear and proactive reporting on progress, programme, quality, cost, risk and key decisions
- Lead contract management and administration across JBCC and EPC contracts, including tender coordination, contractor claims, payment certificate recommendations, instructions, variation orders, extension of time claims, penalties and final accounts
- Represent SOLINK and the Client in contract negotiations, supplier due diligence and key commercial engagements
- Drive project programme performance by interrogating contractor schedules, monitoring critical path activities, identifying delays and implementing recovery strategies
- Maintain oversight of project budgets and commercial performance, ensuring accurate cost reporting and early identification of commercial risks
- Identify, assess and proactively manage project risks, with mitigation strategies communicated to the Client and SOLINK management
- Provide technical leadership and engineering oversight throughout project development and delivery
- Lead the technical review of design drawings, engineering calculations, datasheets, methodologies, procedures and other project documentation
- Ensure project execution complies with contractual requirements, approved designs, specifications, legislation, regulations, standards and good construction practice
- Conduct and lead site inspections and quality assurance activities during feasibility and construction
- Monitor project performance through construction and into the operational phase, driving corrective actions where required
- Lead project meetings and stakeholder coordination, ensuring clear agendas, effective decision-making, accurate minutes and robust project records
- Coordinate commissioning, snagging, practical completion and project close-out
- Deliver a structured and complete handover to SOLINK's Operations and Maintenance Services (OMS) department
- Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and translating them into improvements across SOLINK's processes and standards
- Effectively manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities across the portfolio
Required
- Minimum three years of development/construction Project Management/Principal Agent experience
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Experience administering construction contracts, including instructions, variations, claims and payment certification
- Demonstrated ability to manage several concurrent projects and competing priorities
- Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel regularly to project sites across South Africa
Beneficial
- Technical qualification (B/BSc Eng or BTech, National Diploma or equivalent built environment qualification) or PMP certification
- EPC project experience across design coordination, procurement, contractor management, construction, commissioning and close-out
- Solar PV, battery energy storage, electrical or related infrastructure project experience, preferably in the C&I embedded generation market
- Knowledge of JBCC Minor Works Agreement/Principal Building Agreements or comparable standard form contracts
- Consultancy, Lenders TA, Construction Monitoring or Owner's Engineering experience
- Electrical qualification or wireman's licence
- Solar PV draughting or design experience
- Familiar with Google Workspace
- Team management experience
- Professional registration with SACPCMP, ECSA or a comparable professional body
- Exposure to ground mount solar, BESS or wheeled energy projects
Physical requirements
- Valid driver's licence
- Willingness to travel regularly to project sites across South Africa