Project Management - Contracts Engineer

DescriptionZutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.What kind of talent do we pursue?We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.Role ResponsibilitiesLocation: Eswatini, Fixed-term ContractSeniority: 15+ years experienceReports to: Project DirectorAbout The RoleZutari is seeking an accomplished EPC Representative (Client-Side) to oversee an end-to-end greenfield/brownfield sugar manufacturing project (or program). You will act as the client’s single point of accountability interfacing across engineering, project management, contracts administration, and construction to ensure our EPC contractor delivers safely, on schedule, to budget, and to specification.This role suits a senior engineer with deep sugar process expertise (mills, evaporation, crystallization, centrifugals, clarification, boilers/steam balance, utilities/WWTP) and a proven track record leading complex EPC projects and managing FIDIC/NEC style contracts.Key ResponsibilitiesClient EPC Representation Serve as the Owner’s Engineer/EPC Representative on site and in management forums; lead interfaces between Client, EPC, OEMs, and third parties.Drive alignment on scope, design basis, process guarantees, performance tests, and acceptance criteria.Engineering Oversight Review/approve EPC deliverables (PFDs, P&IDs, heat & mass balances, equipment specs, datasheets, layouts, 3D model reviews, HAZOP action close-out).Challenge process design to optimize recoveries, steam economy, energy integration, and reliability (OEE/uptime).Project & Schedule Control Oversee baselines (scope, schedule, cost), critical path, and progress metrics; lead risk/issue/change control and management of trends/claims.Coordinate commissioning, start-up, reliability run and performance guarantee testing; steward punch lists to completion.Contracts & Commercial Administer EPC contract on the client’s behalf: notices, instructions, variations/claims, delay analysis, payment certificates, and dispute avoidance.Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, insurances, bonds/guarantees, LDs, and warranty terms.HSE & Quality Champion Zero Harm culture; ensure EPC’s HSE plan, method statements, permits, and construction regulations are implemented and audited.Enforce ITPs, quality hold/witness points, factory/site acceptance tests, and non-conformance management.Stakeholder & Governance Provide clear reporting to Steering Committee/Exco (cost, schedule, risks, ESG); prepare stage-gate and investment governance packs.Engage with communities, utilities, regulators, and lenders’ technical advisors as needed.Required Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Engineering (Master’s preferred).15+ years in engineering within sugar manufacturing (refineries and/or raw sugar) including significant site exposure.10+ years managing large capital projects in EPC/EPCM environments; prior client-side or Owner’s Engineer experience essential.Expert knowledge of EPC contracts (e.g., FIDIC Silver or NEC), change/claims, and commercial risk management.Proven leadership of commissioning & performance guarantees for sugar plants (throughput, purity/yield, steam/electrical energy KPIs).Strong command of project controls (Primavera/MSP schedules, earned value, cost control) and management of multi-disciplinary teams.Certifications advantageous: Pr.EngTechnical CompetenciesSugar process unit operations (cane prep/milling/diffusion, juice clarification, evaporation, crystallization, centrifugation, refinery decolorization, utilities/boilers, condensate/vacuum systems).Mass/energy balances, pinch analysis, steam economy optimization, condensate/heat recovery.Piping & mechanical systems, rotating equipment, materials selection, and reliability engineering basics.Construction methods, QA/QC, welding/NDT, and modularization/constructability.Process safety (HAZOP)Environmental compliance: effluent, emissions, waste, and by-products (bagasse, molasses).We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment and work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices. In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups in South Africa.