Programme Manager – Solar & Renewable Energy Projects

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Title / Role: Programme Manager – Solar & Renewable Energy Projects Location: Sandton Vacancy: Permanent | Probation period applies | Salary range: To be confirmed Seniority: Senior Management Overview: We are seeking a Programme Manager to oversee a portfolio of solar PV, BESS and related power infrastructure projects, ensuring coordinated delivery against business, client and regulatory objectives. This role will provide governance, resource and financial oversight across multiple projects, manage senior stakeholders and lead project managers. Substantial involvement in Eskom-related projects or programmes is a key focus. Responsibilities: • Lead the planning, governance and execution of a multi-project programme covering solar PV, energy storage and associated grid or electrical infrastructure. • Develop integrated programme schedules, budgets, delivery priorities, resource strategies and performance indicators across projects. • Provide direction and support to project managers, engineering leads, EPC partners, contractors and other delivery teams. • Manage programme-level risks, dependencies, change controls, escalations, commercial performance and recovery plans. • Oversee relationships with senior client representatives, Eskom or utility stakeholders, regulators and other external parties where relevant. • Coordinate key permitting, grid-connection, technical approval, commissioning and handover dependencies across the project portfolio. • Report programme progress, financial forecasts, milestone achievement, risks and strategic decisions to executive leadership. • Implement consistent project controls, safety and quality governance, documentation and lessons-learned processes. • Ensure programme delivery meets contractual requirements, operational objectives and agreed timelines. Minimum Requirements: • Relevant degree in Engineering, Project/Programme Management, Construction Management or a related discipline. • Substantial experience managing large or complex programmes involving solar PV, renewable energy, battery storage, power generation or electrical/grid infrastructure. • Demonstrable leadership responsibility on Eskom-related projects or programmes, including experience coordinating with Eskom or associated utility stakeholders. • Proven experience overseeing multiple projects or project managers simultaneously, with accountability for governance, resources, programme delivery and budgets. • Strong knowledge of EPC contracts, programme controls, risk and change management, project financials and stakeholder governance. • Understanding of South African energy-sector compliance and grid-connection or regulatory processes. • Excellent executive-level communication, negotiation, commercial judgement and team leadership skills. • Willingness to travel to project sites and stakeholder meetings as required. • PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, MSP or comparable qualifications would be advantageous.