Contract Manager

Job Summary

A leading solar energy company in Kwa Zulu-Natal is seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of contracts related to solar projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for negotiating, managing, and ensuring compliance with contracts involving clients, suppliers, and subcontractors. This role requires a deep understanding of South African energy regulations, procurement laws, and construction contracts within the renewable energy sector.

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), PPA (Power Purchase Agreements), and O&M (Operations & Maintenance) contracts.
• Ensure contracts align with South African legal frameworks, including the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) regulations.
• Identify and mitigate risks within contractual agreements.
• Manage contract variations, extensions, and renewals.

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to ensure contract deliverables are met.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Eskom, municipalities, regulatory bodies (e.g., NERSA, DMRE), and private sector clients.
• Address and resolve disputes or contractual issues promptly.

• Ensure contracts comply with South Africas renewable energy policies, including the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
• Monitor compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations related to solar installations.
• Keep up to date with changes in South African labour laws, tax regulations, and procurement legislation affecting solar projects.

• Conduct financial and operational risk assessments for contracts.
• Monitor project budgets and contract expenditures to prevent cost overruns.
• Ensure timely payments and enforcement of financial terms within contracts.

• Maintain detailed records of all contractual documents and amendments.
• Prepare reports on contract performance, risk assessments, and compliance for senior management.
• Ensure proper contract closeout procedures, including final inspections and dispute resolutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in contract management, preferably in the solar, renewable energy, or construction industry.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC, NEC, EPC, and PPA contracts.
• Familiarity with South African tendering processes, B-BBEE requirements, and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.

• Experience working on large‑scale solar or renewable energy projects in South Africa.
• Familiarity with NERSA licensing, Eskom grid connection requirements, and South African environmental impact assessments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.