Construction Director - Solar PV - South Africa

EWI Recruitment is seeking a Construction Director for a utility-scale renewable energy project in South Africa, specifically in Northern Cape / Free State. The role involves leading construction execution, managing EPC contractors, and ensuring project delivery within budget and safety standards. Candidates should have a degree in engineering and 10-15 years of relevant experience. This is a full-time, on-site position requiring strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
Construction Director - Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Projects

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed-Term (Local Employment Contract)
Location: Northern Cape / Free State, South Africa
Start Date: ASAP
Reports to: Project CEO / Country Manager

About the Opportunity

We are currently supporting the appointment of a Construction Director for a major renewable energy infrastructure project in South Africa. This is a high-impact position leading construction delivery on a utility-scale project, overseeing EPC contractors and interfacing with all key stakeholders including the Offtaker, local authorities, and project partners.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead site-based construction execution across multiple EPC and key equipment suppliers.
• Ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to required HSE and quality standards.
• Champion HSSE culture across the Owner's Team and Project Company.
• Direct and manage Owner's Engineer during design, construction and commissioning.
• Monitor contractor performance, mitigate delays, and ensure contract compliance.
• Act as Single Point of Contact for site-level coordination across all stakeholders.
• Lead weekly/monthly reporting, integrate project schedules (Primavera/MS Project).
• Oversee commissioning, milestone certifications, testing and handover to O&M.
• Liaise with lenders, off-takers, and government stakeholders.
• Manage project office operations and interface with local communities.
• Ensure all economic development and social performance commitments are met.

Required Experience & Qualifications
• Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering.
• 10-15 years' experience on utility-scale power generation projects.
• Proven leadership of EPC construction and commissioning on large infrastructure.
• Extensive knowledge of renewable energy plant construction and interfaces.
• Skilled in contract/claim management, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.
• Strong familiarity with project finance structures, PPA terms, and construction contracts.
• Proficient in Primavera, MS Project, and standard office software.

Key Skills & Competencies
• Confident dealing with complex contractor negotiations and issue resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Able to manage multi-disciplinary teams and drive results under pressure.
• Familiarity with international standards and best practices in construction.
• High ethical standards and culturally aware team leadership.

Other Information
• Role based on-site in Northern Cape / Free State.
• Travel within Africa and internationally may be required.
• Must be able to start within a reasonable timeframe.

To apply or find out more, contact:

Deji Ogunsola - d.ogunsola@ewi-group.com
Lamiya Cadi - l.cadi@ewi-group.com

ewi is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. ewi is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.