Project Scheduler/Planner - Renewable Energy (Solar)

Pty • Full-time • Cape Town • 5d ago

Introduction

The Project Scheduler will be responsible for developing, monitoring and maintaining detailed project schedules for utility-scale Solar PV projects.

The successful candidate will ensure that project timelines are realistic, achievable and aligned with contractual requirements. This role will work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement specialists, contractors and other stakeholders to monitor progress, identify scheduling risks and support the successful delivery of projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

Develop baseline schedules covering the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning phases of projects.
Create detailed work packages and activities with clearly defined durations, dependencies and milestones.
Regularly update project schedules to reflect actual progress, changes in scope and revised delivery requirements.
Engage with project managers, engineers, procurement teams, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure scheduling information remains accurate.
Track project milestones and deliverables against approved baseline schedules.
Identify schedule variances and provide early warnings of potential delays.
Conduct critical path analysis and proactively manage critical project activities.
Perform scenario and “what-if” analyses to assess the potential impact of delays, scope changes and resource constraints.
Recommend corrective actions and mitigation strategies to maintain schedule integrity.
Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports, forecasts, S-curves and other schedule-related reporting.
Highlight project risks, delays, variances and proposed corrective actions to internal and external stakeholders.
Support claims and contractual processes by providing accurate schedule documentation and supporting evidence.
Maintain detailed records of schedule revisions, approvals and changes.
Assist with resource planning and allocation to support efficient project execution.
Ensure that project schedules comply with contractual obligations, client requirements and industry best practices.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of project planning and scheduling processes.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Experience

A minimum of five years’ experience in project planning or scheduling.
Experience within renewable energy, construction, engineering or large-scale infrastructure projects.
Proven experience scheduling utility-scale Solar PV projects exceeding 10 MW.
Experience working within an EPC project delivery environment.
Demonstrated experience developing, updating and monitoring detailed project schedules.

Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and project reporting skills.
Sound understanding of project management methodologies, including PMBOK or PRINCE2.
Knowledge of Solar PV construction processes, grid connection requirements and commissioning activities.
Strong understanding of critical path analysis, schedule forecasting and progress measurement.
Ability to prepare S-curves, variance reports and schedule-related documentation.

Personal Attributes

Highly organised, structured and methodical.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Proactive approach to identifying and managing project risks.
Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
Able to prioritise effectively and manage multiple deadlines.
Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced project environment.
Reliable, accountable and committed to following tasks through to completion.
Persistent and able to remain focused when facing challenges or resistance.
Confident questioning information and critically assessing project assumptions.
Able to work independently while contributing effectively within a small, collaborative team.

Key Performance Areas

Development and maintenance of detailed, accurate project schedules.
Effective monitoring of project progress against approved baseline schedules.
Early identification and escalation of potential scheduling risks and delays.
Proactive management of critical path activities.
Accurate weekly and monthly reporting.
Effective collaboration with internal teams, consultants, contractors and project stakeholders.
Development of practical mitigation strategies and corrective actions.
Compliance with project contracts, reporting requirements and scheduling best practices.