Project Manager

About the Company

The Company is one of the first agents in the UK energy storage sector. The experienced renewable energy and private equity investor capitalises on opportunities to spend on robust businesses and assets contributing to the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. The dedicated team are a market driver in renewable energy bringing a wide range of skills and expertise. The Company are experts in:

• Sourcing disruptive technologies in the energy sector.
• Developing renewable energy infrastructure projects and managing assets.
• Designing and managing strategic deals in a challenging policy environment.
• Forming strategic partnerships and working with multiple public and private sector stakeholders in the development of large complex projects.

Life at the Company

The Company is an equal opportunities employer and employs a diverse range of professionals from a variety of backgrounds and sectors. The Company believes that a diverse and inclusive workplace is critical in order to deliver on its mission. The Company is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and aims to create an open, dynamic and inclusive environment that enables both personal and professional development. In order to facilitate this development, the Company offers the following:

• Competitive remuneration packages.
• Hybrid working.
• A comprehensive range of employee benefits, including, but not limited to, the following:
• Life Assurance with Aviva.
• Health Insurance with Axa.
• Electric vehicle scheme with Octopus.
• Learning and development fund, providing up to £3,000 per annum for training and development.
• Exercise fund for gym membership/ classes and Cycle to Work Scheme.
• A range of family friendly policies, including but not limited to; (i) enhanced maternity and paternity leave; and (ii) an IVF policy to provide support to those undergoing treatment or supporting their partner.
• A range of Company social events including overseas trips.

For the avoidance of doubt, any benefits referred to above are for reference only and subject to eligibility and may be amended at any time. The Company is committed to its ESG and sustainability mission to fight against climate change by providing the solutions that support the transition to a cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy system. More details on ESG can be found in the latest Gore Street Energy Storage Fund (“GSF”) sustainability report here. The Company is the investment and commercial manager for GSF.

About the Role

We are looking for a Project Manager to lead the delivery of battery energy storage projects, with a principal focus on European sites. We acquire, own and operate projects over the long term. You will be responsible for the successful delivery of battery energy storage systems (“BESS”) from acquisition through construction to commissioning and operation. You will be a key interface between our company and the contractors and consultants performing the work. You will coordinate and manage the efforts of all the project stakeholders during the execution phase.

Amongst others you will manage the developer, grid operators, contestable grid connection work contractors, BESS EPC contractor, planning authorities and landowners. You will devise and deliver the programme, manage project costs, manage risks and opportunities including implementing mitigation strategies where necessary to secure project objectives. You will work with commercial management and technical advisers to ensure projects meet our commercialisation targets.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities, duties and tasks:

• Develop and define the time schedule for delivering projects according to plan. In so doing, comprehensively capture scope and sequence works to efficiently deliver projects to operation on time.
• Identify and monitor project risks and issues during the pre-construction and construction phase and support development of mitigation strategies.
• Effectively administer the project contracts applying the provisions defined therein in a timely and organised manner.
• Monitor and advise the investment team of budget increase risks, proactively working to maintain project construction budgets and managing variation orders associated with project delivery.
• Interface with and hold accountable the EPC, interconnection works contractors, the electricity grid transmission company, permitting departments, landowners and other external stakeholders to:

1. Ensure timely delivery of projects in line with agreed standards for quality.
2. Ensure effective project governance and controls (including safety and permitting compliance).
3. Participate in weekly and monthly stakeholder and vendor communications.
4. Ensure project consistency.
5. Support the preparation of and amendments to project execution plans.
6. Prepare and/or monitor project risk management plans and budget deviations.

• Effectively manage major project phase transitions including:

1. Commencement of construction.
2. Transition to operation.
3. EPC take over process including documentation of as-built works.
4. Closure of EPC contractual obligations.
5. Contribute to the definition and preparation of specifications, contract schedules and contract conditions.
6. Support and on occasion lead tendering activities and analysis of tender returns to confirm adequate description of the scope of work, project requirements and proper allocation of risks and constraints.
7. Manage internal copy of project records (i.e. contract notices, design and drawing documentation, as-built information, plant operating manuals, vendor data sheets, manufacturing documentation, plant inspection books, completion reports).
8. Support the construction phase of the portfolio projects including permitting conditions discharge, grid connection compliance process, project risk management.
9. Manage change orders, claims and dispute resolution.
10. Seek process and outcome improvement at all times to improve returns to customers.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree level education in engineering or equivalent experience and professional qualification.
• 5-10 years’ experience leading delivery of utility scale renewable energy or power sector projects (specifically BESS) as project director, project manager, client site manager or senior project/owner’s engineer.
• Experience in HV Connections, Grid Code Compliance in the UK or other European countries.
• Excellent communicator.
• Experience preparing and managing project schedules (MS Project).
• Experience preparing and managing project budgets.
• Experience working with electricity system operators in multiple contexts.
• Aware of contract structures, risk arrangements and procurement processes.
• Aware of construction, commissioning and grid compliance process for renewable energy power plants.
• Aware of safe work practices in construction and power sectors and role of owner in securing safety.
• Attention to detail and discipline with deadlines.
• Self-motivated and pride in work product.
• Fluent in English.

What success looks like

Within 90 days you will have:

• Taken ownership of the integrated programme and risk register for each assigned project.
• Established a weekly and monthly reporting rhythm with contractors and the internal team.
• Reviewed contract positions and flagged any variation, delay or claim exposure.

Within 12 months you will have:

• Brought at least one project through a major phase transition, such as construction start or energisation, on or ahead of the agreed date.
• Held project costs within the approved budget, with every variation assessed, negotiated and documented.
• Delivered a complete and audited record of contract notices, design documentation and as-built information.
• Built working relationships with PSE or the DSO that make grid compliance predictable.

How you work

• You take ownership: you treat project outcomes as your own and do not wait to be asked.
• You hold others to account constructively, and challenge contractors on evidence rather than relationships.
• You think commercially, understanding how delays and variations affect the investment case.
• You communicate clearly and early, especially when news is bad.
• You keep learning: you ask questions, draw on the knowledge and experience of the team, and actively build your own capabilities over time.