Job Title: Contracts & Commercial Officer

Department: Legal

Location: Cape Town (with site travel as required)

Reporting Line: Head of Legal / Construction Director

Employment Type: Full-time

Role Purpose

The Contracts & Commercial Officer will support the Legal and Commercial teams by reviewing, administering, and monitoring construction-related contracts for renewable energy projects.

The role focuses on contract administration, cost control, and risk support across the construction lifecycle, ensuring contracts align with company governance standards and commercial objectives.

This is a hands-on role, working closely with project, construction, and finance teams.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Review & Administration

• Assist with reviewing construction-related contracts, including:
• EPC and EPCM contracts
• Sub-contractor and supplier agreements
• Professional services and consultancy agreements
• Ensure contracts align with internal company standards and commercial objectives
• Maintain accurate contract registers, document control, and approval records
• Track key contractual dates, obligations, and deliverables

Cost & Commercial Support

• Monitor contract values, payment milestones, and retention amounts
• Assist with reviewing variation orders, change instructions, and claims
• Flag potential cost overruns, penalties, or commercial risks to senior team members
• Support the Commercial and Finance teams with contract-related cost queries

Risk & Governance Support

• Assist in identifying contractual risks and areas of non-alignment with company standards
• Support dispute avoidance through accurate record-keeping and early issue escalation
• Ensure consistent contract administration practices across projects

Project & Stakeholder Support

• Liaise with Project Managers, Construction Managers, and external contractors on contract-related matters
• Attend project and contract meetings where required
• Provide practical contract guidance under supervision of the Head of Legal

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare contract summaries, trackers, and basic risk reports
• Assist with internal reviews and document handovers at project close-out
• Ensure all contract documentation is complete, current, and audit-ready

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or diploma (e.g., Commerce, Construction Management, Business, or similar)
• Short courses in contract management or commercial administration advantageous

Experience

• 2–5 years’ experience in contracts administration, commercial support, or project support role
• Exposure to construction, engineering, or infrastructure projects preferred
• Experience within renewable energy or power projects advantageous

Technical & Practical Skills

• Understanding of construction contracts and commercial terms
• Ability to track costs, variations, and contractual obligations
• Strong attention to detail and document management skills
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and contract management systems

Personal Attributes

• Methodical, organised, and detail-focused
• Commercially aware and cost-conscious
• Willing to learn and grow in a project-based environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across teams
• Able to manage multiple contracts simultaneously