A dynamic and fast-growing energy trading business is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the post-signature lifecycle of customer energy supply agreements (CESAs) and generator power purchase agreements (PPAs). The role focuses on ensuring contract compliance, managing regulatory obligations, improving internal processes, and maintaining high standards of contract governance across all project phases.
This position requires a detail-oriented and process-driven individual with strong commercial acumen, the ability to manage complex stakeholder environments, and a passion for delivering systems that support a just energy transition and net-zero future.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage the full lifecycle of executed CESAs and PPAs, including condition precedent (CP) fulfilment, deliverables tracking, and milestone management.
- Ensure strict adherence to contractual obligations, industry regulations, and company policies through well-maintained trackers and risk matrices.
- Draft, review, and manage formal contractual documents such as notices, variations, extensions, and amendments.
- Identify and mitigate contractual risks and support the resolution of disputes in collaboration with legal advisors.
- Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders (legal, operations, commercial, finance) and external parties (generators, customers, regulators) to ensure effective contract delivery.
- Implement and refine contract management systems, improving processes, documentation, and reporting standards.
- Maintain thorough, audit-ready records of all contract-related documentation, including obligations and key milestones.
- Provide support during new contract negotiations and facilitate updates to existing agreements.
- Monitor and report on contract performance, risks, compliance, and stakeholder responsibilities, providing insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Stay informed on developments within the South African electricity market and evolving regulatory frameworks to guide internal teams and clients accordingly.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent required).
- Minimum 8 years' experience in contract management, ideally within the energy, renewable energy, or infrastructure sectors.
- Proven expertise in managing large-scale commercial agreements, including CESAs and PPAs.
- Deep understanding of compliance, regulatory obligations, and risk frameworks.
- Excellent document and workflow management skills, with attention to accuracy and traceability.
- Strong commercial judgment and numerical capability to quantify risk and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Ability to assess contractual changes and their impact on broader project delivery.
- Proficiency in MS Office and contract management tools.
Technical Competencies
- Legal research and regulatory analysis
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Risk assessment and mitigation planning
- Application of legislation relevant to energy and infrastructure
Behavioural Competencies
- Clear and confident communication (verbal and written)
- Commercially minded and solution-focused
- Customer-centric and collaborative
- Proactive and adaptable under pressure
- Organised, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
- Strong relationship builder and team player
- Analytical thinker with a structured approach to problem-solving