Project Director at Solarcentury

Job description

Job Overview

As Projects Director in Kenya, the successful candidate will direct and manage the successful delivery of the regional PV project portfolio (ground mounted and rooftop) of multi Megawatts per power plant, located in Kenya and East Africa region. The Project Director would need to oversee and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and at various stages of development and construction. He/she will manage the implementation of effective and efficient operational, financial and compliance activities to deliver projects in accordance with EPC contractual obligations, company policies and guidelines and client regulations. The Project Director will define overall project scope, goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with project managers. The role will report to the Country Director and Africa Director of Operations. Skill and knowledge transfer is a key element of the role, and the successful candidate must be willing and able to provide support in developing growth for company and local labour market.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

• Manage EPC, subcontractor and O&M contracts for PV project portfolio.
• Driving and supervising project portfolio activities related to the management, planning, design, installation and commissioning of systems in accordance to specifications and industry requirements.
  Effectively communicate portfolio expectations to internal project stakeholders i.e. project engineer, project manager, site managers, site electrical engineers.
• Ensuring that senior PM’s and PM’s implement the operational activities in accordance with the contract and planning requirements, good industry practise, H&S requirements and engineering standards.
• Ensuring senior PM’s and PM’s successfully identify risks, issues and solutions during project design through to commissioning and hand over,
• Responsible for ensuring present and new PM’s are provided training and knowledge transfer to ensure growth for company and local labour market to senior PM level,
• Providing an ongoing, wholistic review on the progress and status reports of each project,
• Reviewing the monitoring and documentation of the construction and commissioning processes with regular site visits and meetings,
• Ensuring that all drawings and technical documentation are reviewed by the PM’s of each respective project,
• Implement and develop regular use of standardized office tools, processes and software to ensure project deliverables are met effectively and efficiently.
• Responsibility for financial management of budgets, the cash flow and financial forecast for specific PV projects.
• Provide guidance and supervision for project team working with local authorities to obtain planning permits and other necessary licences, clearances permits for specific PV projects,
• Ensuring that positive relationships with suppliers and partners are developed and maintained at all times.
• Serve as point of contact for customers and clients for the whole PV project portfolio,

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Minimum of 10 years proven experience in Solar PV construction and project management with Senior PM and director level experience essential.
• Commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic experience is essential.
• Experience and understanding of PV Diesel Hybrid generation systems.
• Experience with EPC contracts specifically within PV solar projects.
• Master’s degree OR equivalent combination of education and years of related experience.
• In depth understanding of large-scale multi Megawatt ground-mount solar farm construction.
• High level of experience managing vendor and client payment terms to achieve positive cash flow.
• Experience with design / build contracts from ground up that result in profitable construction projects.
• Understanding of financial models and management of budgeting cash flow.
• Capable of managing a multiple project portfolio.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written.
• Energetic and Active; willing to offer opinions and judgments; calm and steady under pressure,

Desirable Skills

• Experience making crucial decisions regarding construction and project decisions,
• Strong Electrical knowledge and ability to read/understand technical drawings.
• Awareness of British and International standards in terms of operation and regulatory.
• Experience closing out EPC, EPCM and O&M contracts,
• Strong understanding of subcontractor hiring process with the ability to manage company protocols and ensure the only the best and most ethical subcontractors are used at all times.
• Knowledge and acute awareness of Health & Safety, risk assessment, CDM and Building Regulations.
• Awareness of renewable energy sector, especially solar PV, related policies.
• In-depth knowledge of Solar PV technology, Energy Data logging, Graphic displays and building management systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills; strong team player attitude.
• Ability to help build and strengthen an organization, building structure over time.
• Strong computer skills, including strength in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid Driver’s License.