Main purpose of the role:
The AO Project Manager's activities and responsibilities takes place during the development phase of the projects, from tender to financial close.
As part of the project development teams, he / she is accountable for the successful modelling (structure, cost, organization, contractual set-up, risks etc..) of the operations phase of utility scale wind, solar and storage projects in South Africa. That includes, among other tasks, developing the asset operations strategy, developing OPEX costing models, drafting and negotiating industrial contracts with OEMs, O&M and EPC contractors, and managing the asset operation batch of technical documentation and responses.
The AO Project Manager can also be involved on projects during the construction and operation phases for ad-hoc needs:
- During construction phase: to support the implementation of the asset operations strategy and the preparations of the operations phase with the construction, O&M and Asset Management teams
- During operations phase: to provide contract management support and capture return on experience.
Key Responsibilities during the development phase
- Generally accountable for the successful modelling (structure, cost, organization, contractual set-up, risks etc..) of the operations phase of utility scale wind, solar and storage projects in Southern Africa.
- Manage and support the asset operation batch of technical documentation responses to calls for tenders and financial close as per lenders Due Diligence requirements.
o Define and optimize the asset operations strategy.
o Propose and make case studies for the contractual setup of required operational business structures (O&M Cos, SPVs).
o Lead on the O&M technical topics and requirements.
o Develop the costing of the associated operational budgets and overall OPEX model inputs.
o Manage the drafting and negotiation of O&M contracts, O&M related sections in EPC contracts and equipment supply contracts.
o Review bid documentation and related contracts (ie. PDA, PPA, IA, DA, etc) to identify asset operations constraints and requirements.
o Review and negotiate O&M offers from solar, wind and storage OEMs and BoP/HV suppliers and negotiate the related contracts (i.e. SAA, SLA, etc).
o Provide support and input on local regulations and specificities.
o In conjunction with the local and international technical departments within the organisation, procurement departments and EDF RE's partners manage and ensure compliance with local legislation.
o Responsible for representing the Asset Operations workstream during project and technical meetings.
- Manage successful integration between legal, technical, finance/ commercial, ED, QHSE, etc. of new projects as they relate to asset operations.
- Provide contract management support on operational projects.
- Ensure lessons learnt and REX is collated and fed back from operational and site teams to optimise projects in development.
- Maintain a strong link with Paris based IAOM team for project updates, tool evolution and lessons learnt that will help him/her in the missions.
Project phases
The AO Project Manager's main duties take place:
- During the development phase of the projects between tender & financial close
- The AO Project Manager can be involved on construction and operation phases of the project on ad-hoc needs
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The position reports directly into:
Head of Asset Operations
The position reports functionally into:
Technical Lead in the project teams
QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Must-have Qualifications and Certifications:
Bachelor's degree in related Engineering field
Preferred Qualifications and Certifications:
Project certifications, PMP type is a plus
RELEVANT EXPERIENCES
Must-have years of professional experiences:
- Minimum 10 years work experience, including experience in the energy sector globally, with renewables and storage experience preferred.
Must-have years of industry experiences:
- Extensive knowledge of the REIPPP and private programmes and various contracts including SAA, PPA, IA, etc.
- Experience in negotiating industrial contracts in the energy sector (O&M Contracts, EPC Contracts, services contracts etc.)
Preferred years of industry experiences:
- Experience in wind industry is a plus
COMPETENCIES
Technical competencies:
- Strong commercial judgment and negotiation acumen
- Technical acumen with strong attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities, with a strong focus on results and outcomes.
- Microsoft 365 Office: Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, Powerpoint.
Behavioral competencies:
- Intercultural skills, ability to adapt and manage priorities, autonomy, teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills, project management, budget and contracts, negotiation, curiosity
Leadership competencies, if applicable:
Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English; additional local language skills are an advantage.
Willingness to travel regularly in rural areas and driver's license.
