Project Execution Manager - Envusa

The Project Execution Manager at EDF Renewables in South Africa will lead the implementation of renewable energy projects, ensuring execution readiness and risk mitigation. Key responsibilities include standardizing project management processes, overseeing project timelines, and facilitating handovers between teams. The role requires collaboration across technical, commercial, and regulatory domains to support a renewable energy portfolio aimed at delivering 3-5GW by 2030.
Overview of Envusa Energy

Envusa Energy is licensed energy trader jointly owned by EDF Renewables and Anglo American. Envusa is, focused on delivering innovative and industry leading renewable energy solutions to private offtakers across Southern Africa and has a stated aim of developing a 3-5GW Renewable Energy generation portfolio by 2030 off the back of secured offtake. Construction of the first 520MW of wind and solar is at an advanced stage and will start delivering electricity to offtakers in Q4 2025.

Purpose of the role:

To lead and support the effective implementation of utility-scale renewable energy projects (Solar PV, Wind, BESS) by embedding robust project management frameworks, ensuring execution readiness and execution risk mitigation, and supporting delivery from financial close through to commercial operation in compliance with the EDF processes and policies. The role, functionally integrated within EDF and closely connected to it, requires broad exposure across technical, commercial, and stakeholder domains. It supports the long-term success of the portfolio.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

Project Execution Leadership
• Provide strategic and operational support to the Head of Project Execution and Project CEO.
• Standardize project management processes, tools, and reporting across the execution portfolio leveraging on EDF available documents and tools as well as EDF minimum requirements
• Oversee the integration of execution related risks into the technical, commercial, legal, and regulatory workstreams to ensure smooth execution.
• Facilitate the handover from business development to project execution and construction teams.
• Support the construction projects and teams with coordination of other departments and processes and EDF corporate functions

Execution Readiness & Financial Close
• Define, drive and complete the execution readiness activities.
• Prepare and coordinate with the support of EDF corporate teams, the EDF readiness reviews (RtB. RtR, RtC and RtO)
• Manage execution risk and ensure risk mitigation is implemented during contract closure or ready for mobilization with FC
• Monitor and manage fulfillment of all execution-related Conditions Subsequent (CSs) for Financial Close.
• Support and align workstreams and third-party inputs required for lender approvals and notice to proceed (NTP).

Portfolio Analysis & Resource Planning
• Analyze project timelines and resource requirements across the implementation pipeline in conjunction with the EDF corporate team.
• Provide early warnings on capacity constraints or project overlaps to the Head of Execution.
• Assist in portfolio prioritization and execution resource mobilization planning.

Project Management & Delivery Oversight
• In conjunction with Execution PM and prior to Financial close, manage project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and interdependencies across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Drive readiness for site mobilization and construction commencement, ensuring alignment with key contracts and financing conditions.
• Establish and manage risk registers, mitigation plans, and contingency strategies.

During execution:
• Oversee project progress reporting, budget tracking, and performance analysis and work with the scheduler to provide reasonable project analysis.
• Participate and prepare project Construction Committees.

Commercial and Financial Modelling Input
• Collaborate with the commercial and finance teams to validate project assumptions, delivery schedules, and construction cashflows within the financial model.
• Challenge and support project execution inputs into the financial model such as CAPEX phasing, milestone risks, EPC payment schedules, and resource planning.
• Participate in commercial negotiations and reviews of EPC, O&M, TSA, and BoP contracts to ensure bankability and alignment with execution realities and organize internal alignment meeting between business development team and execution team.
• Support Envusa investment case reviews and ensure project feasibility assumptions are aligned with on-the-ground delivery dynamics.

Health, Safety & Compliance
• Take part in Visible Felt leadership campaigns and management safety tours
• Live by example to all project execution teams.

Grid Connection & Eskom Interface
• Assess the to Budget Quote (BQ) reviews
• Self-Build Agreement (SBA) development
• Connection and Use of System Agreements (CUoSA)to have a clear understanding of the timelines and potential execution constraints. Coordinate with grid team to ensure the establishment of Eskom relationships prior to Financial close.

Due Diligence & Technical Advisory
• Coordinate and oversee due diligence processes involving technical advisors, lenders, and internal risk teams.
• Provide strategic insights and practical feedback on construction methods, phasing, risk allocation, and implementation strategy.

Reporting Relationships:

The Project Execution Manager reports directly to the Head of Project Execution.

Direct reports: N.A.

Qualifications and Certifications:
• Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) or Construction Management
• Extensive knowledge of OHSAct/MHSA regulations, SED frameworks, and QA/QC standards.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract administration (FIDIC, bespoke EPCs, BoP agreements, etc.).

Professional experiences:
• At least 10 years of professional experience in a construction or engineering environment.
• At least 5 years' professional experience in project management.
• At least 5 years' professional experience in the Renewables Energy sector.

Technical Competencies:
• Ability to support and interpret commercial terms, payment mechanisms, incentives/penalties, and claims
• Familiarity with project finance principles and lender-driven reporting requirements
• Strong experience and skills in handling contractor and consultant progress claims, variation claims and other issues that arise during typical design, procurement and construction contracts.
• Understanding of an EPC contracting strategy.
• Project Management: Proven ability to lead renewable energy projects from inception to completion, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of renewable energy systems, particularly solar PV and wind energy installations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations, ensuring all activities remain compliant.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures construction activities meet high-quality standards and project specifications.
• Risk Management: Skilled in identifying potential project risks and developing proactive mitigation strategies.
• Budget Management: Manages budgets effectively with a focus on cost control and proactive financial oversight.
• Resource Allocation: Plans and allocates personnel, equipment, and materials efficiently to optimize productivity.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinates seamlessly with engineers, contractors, project managers, and community stakeholders.
• Health and Safety: Implements and enforces robust health and safety protocols, including audits and compliance monitoring.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Projects).

Behavioural and Leadership Competences:
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and strong communication skills are required.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-Solving Skills. Being resourceful and innovative in finding solutions to challenges is a key trait.
• Interpersonal Skills. Being able to work well with internal and external stakeholders.
• Professionalism. Demonstrating a professional attitude and behaviour in all interactions is essential.
• Strong understanding of scheduling/planning principles.
• Highly professional, detail-oriented, and solution-driven