Project Manager, Special Projects, South African Reforestation Carbon Credit Project

ABOUT US 

Imperative is a global carbon project development company that aims to be in the top decile for quality in the carbon projects market. We have a build-own-operate model and specialise in the design, development and operation of carbon credit projects that help combat climate change while promoting biodiversity conservation, economic growth and social development in the countries in which we operate. With a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Director to join our dynamic team. 

POSITION PURPOSE 

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Project Manager, Special Projects to join our leadership team in South Africa. This pivotal role will report directly to the Project Director and serve as a dedicated resource to manage critical, cross-functional initiatives that are vital to the project’s long-term success. 

Unlike the on-the-ground, site-specific work of our field Project Managers, this role is a strategic partner to the Directors of the Integrated Project Team (IPT). You will be instrumental in resolving complex issues that span multiple departments, driving forward critical deliverables like the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), and leading the long-term planning for future project phases. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise to a world-class, high-impact carbon credit project in a dynamic and challenging environment, working to ensure the strategic alignment and operational excellence of the entire project. 

The ultra-high-quality project consists of 100,000 hectares of the native Spekboom species.  The project will transform large areas of the rural South African landscape and will generate significant carbon offsets in the race to solve the world’s climate emergency. If you want to be a leader on one of the world’s great carbon credit projects, then this role is for you. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

As the Project Manager, Special Projects, you will be responsible for a range of strategic initiatives, including: 

• Leading Resolution of Cross-Department Issues: Act as an internal facilitator and problem-solver, leading initiatives to resolve complex issues that span multiple departments. You will work closely with the Directors of the project team, to identify root causes, develop solutions, and drive consensus to ensure the project stays on track. 

• Providing Capacity to the Leadership Team: Serve as a key strategic partner to the Project Director and senior leadership by taking on critical tasks that require dedicated attention. Your work will free up the leadership team to focus on their core departmental responsibilities, ensuring the project’s strategic priorities are met. 

• Writing High-Quality Documents: Develop and produce essential project documentation, including strategic plans, progress reports, and briefing papers for internal and external stakeholders. You will be responsible for creating clear, compelling, and accurate materials that reflect the project’s quality and vision. 

• Managing Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) Deliverables: Take ownership of the ESAP, coordinating activities and ensuring all environmental and social deliverables are met. You will be responsible for tracking progress, liaising with relevant teams, and reporting on compliance to ensure the project meets its ethical and sustainability commitments. 

• Leading Phase 3 Planning: Drive the strategic planning process for the next phase of the project, including defining objectives, timelines, and resource requirements. You will work closely with the Project Director and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan that ensures a smooth and successful expansion. 

• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental laws, regulations, and permits. 

IMPORTANT SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES 

Key skills and attributes required for the role are; 

• Strategic Thinking: The ability to understand the bigger picture and develop actionable plans to address high-level challenges. 

• Exceptional Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are critical for drafting high-quality documents and facilitating cross-departmental discussions. 

• Problem-Solving: A proven ability to analyse complex issues, identify solutions, and influence key stakeholders without direct authority. 

• Project Management: A strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practices, with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. 

• Analytical Acumen: The ability to analyse data and performance metrics to inform decision-making and report on progress. 

• Financial acumen: Strong financial and commercial acumen and budget management skills. 

• Data analysis: Work the Projects Controls teams to understand and utilize data analysis and performance metrics.  

• Integrity: Demonstrate a high level of drive and personal integrity and be passionate about making a positive difference to the world.  

• HSSE commitment: Commitment to top decile performance in health, safety, security and environment. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• A relevant degree from an internationally recognized university is required.  

• A master’s degree or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly regarded. 

DESIRED EXPERIENCE  

• The position requires a minimum of 8 to 12 years of experience in project management or a similar strategic role.  

• Experience in a role that involved cross-functional problem-solving, strategic planning, or managing complex deliverables in a dynamic environment is essential.  

• Experience within the carbon credit, environmental, or large-scale agricultural sectors is highly advantageous. 

POSITION LOCATION  

Port Elizabeth, South Africa 

LANGUAGE 

Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement. Afrikaans is advantageous.  

WORKING CONDITIONS 

This is a senior-level position that will require a high degree of collaboration and communication. While not a field-based role, occasional travel to project sites in the Eastern and Western Cape may be required to support project teams and gain firsthand knowledge of operations. Work hours may be irregular to accommodate key project deadlines. 

You will join a great team! We are explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we are capable of achieving great things. 

VALUES  

At Imperative, we are passionate about our values are encourage all team members to embrace them.  

• Integrity: We act honourably and are guided by a strong moral compass. If things go wrong, we put our hand up, admit it and adapt. 

• Momentum: Speed matters. We have a bias to action. We think quick, we plan tirelessly, we mitigate risks but above all, we take action. 

• Purpose: We are driven by our desire to make the world better, with every interaction, process and project. 

• Accountability: We do what we say, and we deliver. We seek to be the best at what we do. 

• Collaboration: We celebrate diversity of thought, values and backgrounds and seek to harness the strength of our people and partners to achieve more than we individually can, through teamwork and creativity. 

• Tenacity: We are highly ambitious, driven and hardworking. We persist until we deliver impact.