Asset Operations Project Manager

Market-related Package

Cape Town or Gqeberha

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Asset Operations Project Manager to join our team in South Africa. The successful candidate will play a critical role during the development phase of utility-scale renewable energy projects—including wind, solar, storage, and hybrid solutions—from tender to financial close. You will be responsible for the successful modelling, contractual structuring, and operational planning of projects, ensuring a seamless transition from development to construction and operations phases.

Key Responsibilities:

Development & Closing Phases

• Lead and manage the operational modelling of utility-scale projects, covering structure, costs, organization, contractual setup, and risk management.

• Develop and optimize the asset operations strategy, including OPEX costing models.

• Draft, review, and negotiate O&M contracts, EPC contracts, and equipment supply agreements.

• Review bid documentation and contracts (PDA, PPA, IA, DA, etc.) to identify operational constraints and requirements.

• Collaborate with local and international technical, procurement, and legal teams to ensure compliance with local legislation.

• Represent the Asset Operations workstream in project and technical meetings.

• Capture lessons learned (REX) from operational and site teams to inform project development improvements.

Construction & Operations Phases

• Support ad-hoc contractual and commercial needs during construction and operational phases.

• Assist in readiness-to-operate processes and attend technical reviews for projects entering COD.

• Provide ongoing contract management support and contribute to operational optimization.

Qualifications & Certifications:

• Must-have: Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field.

• Preferred: Project management certification (e.g., PMP).

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years’ professional experience, including global energy sector experience; renewable energy and storage exposure preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of REIPPP and private programmes, including SAA, PPA, IA, and other relevant contracts.

• Proven experience in negotiating industrial contracts (O&M, EPC, and services contracts).

• Wind industry experience is a plus.

Competencies:
Technical: Commercial judgment, contract management, technical acumen, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Behavioral: Intercultural skills, autonomy, teamwork, communication, project management, negotiation, curiosity.