Site Construction Manager (Fixed Term Contract)

About the Company

Since its establishment in 2008, Mulilo has grown into one of South Africa’s leading Independent Power Producers (IPP). Mulilo is majority owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), with Norfund holding an additional investment through the Norwegian Climate Investment Fund.

Mulilo develops, constructs and operates utility scale wind, solar PV and battery energy storage projects across South Africa. The company currently operates 450 MW of wind and solar capacity, with a further 765 MW under construction. A portfolio exceeding 2 GW is advancing toward financial close, while the long-term development pipeline exceeds 30 GW.

Mulilo has concluded power purchase agreements under the South African government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), as well as private offtake agreements with several large corporate energy users.

Mulilo places significant emphasis on its people and recognises that successful infrastructure delivery depends on capable and committed teams. The company prides itself on providing a world-class working environment, with a clear focus on career progression and personal growth. Grounded in its values, Mulilo fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration and purpose, while remaining committed to its environmental, social and governance responsibilities.

About this role

The Construction Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating and overseeing all on-site construction activities for utility-scale renewable energy and hybrid projects. This site-based role covers civil, electrical, mechanical, balance-of-plant, grid connection and commissioning activities, ensuring work is completed safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality standards, while coordinating effectively with all project stakeholders.

Duties and responsibilities

Project Planning and Coordination

• Implement detailed construction plans, schedules, and budgets for renewable energy projects.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of construction activities with project goals and timelines.
• Lead day-to-day construction operations across all work fronts (civil, electrical, mechanical, substations, OHL/UG cables, SCADA/telecoms, technology-specific installation interfaces).
• Establish a high-performance site team culture aligned with safety, quality, and delivery targets.
• Coordinate construction sequencing for access roads, laydown areas, equipment delivery, storage, installation and commissioning activities.
• Coordinate with procurement and logistics to ensure timely delivery of long-lead items and site materials (generation equipment, BESS units, transformers, switchgear, cables and other long-lead items).

Construction Oversight

• Manage on-site construction activities, ensuring adherence to design specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements.
• Monitor and coordinate the work of construction teams, including contractors, technicians, and general workers.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress and identify and resolve any issues or delays.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all construction activities comply with local, provincial, and national regulations, including health and safety standards.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and procedures to maintain a safe work environment, including work at height and confined-space activities.
• Coordinate and support the delivery of required safety training.
• Act as the site accountable leader for HSE performance, enforcing Stop Work authority and safe work practices.
• Ensure adherence to environmental and social management requirements (e.g., erosion control, waste management, community engagement protocols, biodiversity constraints).

Quality Control

• Enforce quality control standards and procedures for all construction activities.
• Conduct inspections to ensure the quality and performance of installed systems and components.
• Address any deficiencies or non-conformities identified during inspections.
• Lead closure of punch lists, NCRs, and corrective/preventative actions in coordination with QA/QC and engineering.

Stakeholder Communication

• Maintain effective communication with project stakeholders, including clients, contractors, engineers, consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Provide regular updates on project status, progress, and any issues that arise during construction.
• Facilitate meetings and discussions to address project challenges and coordinate solutions.
• Support permit compliance, inspections, and audits; maintain site access control and community safety measures.
• Represent construction status in client meetings and coordinate client inspections and witness testing.

Budget and Cost Management

• Monitor project budgets and expenditures, ensuring adherence to financial plans.
• Verify payment certificates and change orders for contractors and suppliers.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality or safety.
• Implement robust progress measurement and reporting (daily diaries/reports, weekly dashboards, earned value or quantity tracking as required).
• Support integrated project reporting to the EPC Project Manager, including constraints and mitigation plans.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including progress reports, inspection records, and safety logs.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on project status, including milestones, budget updates and any issues encountered.
• Ensure all project documentation is accurate, complete and up to date.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Identify potential issues and risks during construction and develop proactive solutions.
• Make informed decisions to resolve on-site challenges and ensure project continuity.
• Collaborate with project teams to implement corrective actions as needed.

Required skills and education background.

• A relevant qualification at N6 and / or NQF Level 5 or higher in Construction Management, Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years’ relevant experience in active construction management, including at least three years in the renewable energy sector or on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale renewable energy construction on EPC or EPCM projects with multiple subcontractors.
• Demonstrated end-to-end construction experience on at least two large-scale renewable energy or infrastructure projects, from commencement through full EPC completion.
• Strong knowledge of solar PV, wind and BESS technologies, construction methods and industry standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Desirable attributes

The ideal candidate would have a passion for the renewable energy sector and personality traits would include a high level of diligence, determination, resilience, and agility.

Mulilo is an employer of choice and is offering an extremely competitive total remuneration package for this position.

Additional Information

Able to work overtime according to operational needs.

Travel will be required occasionally.