Project Technical Manager

Job description

Overview:

Want to join a frontrunner in renewable energy that is actively seeking early entry into new markets globally?

Since the establishment in 2007, Scatec has acquired extensive knowledge and experience in developing, building and operating solar power plants and we continue to deepen our market position and broaden our offerings.

Driven by our company values and competent global workforce, we aim to deliver competitive and sustainable renewable energy globally; protect our environment and improve quality of life through innovative integration of technology; and create shareholder value.

We are present in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and are headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

Main purpose of position
Currently we are looking for a Project Technical Manager in Cape Town, South Africa to be part of our global team working together towards our vision – Improving our future.

As our Project Technical Manager, you will be responsible for all of the technical deliverables from project structuring through to technical handover on on a dedicated project, or portfolio of linked projects.

The desired end-result is to ensure that projects stick to planned timeline, cost and quality, through:

• thought out and smart project structuring that understands and actively considers the anticipated requirements and constraints during design and construction phase.
  
  
• careful management of the detailed engineering process, ensuring that engineering output is provided timeously as per the project programme and functional requirements.
  
  
• a structured and proactive approach to construction that adequately and accurately caters for risk and high levels of quality implementation.
  
  

To do this this the PTM will plan, manage and facilitate all technical tasks and processes, with the assistance of the Engineering team, towards ensuring projects are structured and delivered in a technically compliant manner as required by the Project Technical Function .

Main responsibilities

Support to Structuring Phase of Projects: During the structuring phase, the Project Technical Manger has 3 key functions

• Review and approval of technical supply contracts ensuring that the Plant is technically compliant with the PPA, Grid Code and other critical project documents (such as the Scatec functional requirements, project programme and permit and licensing conditions etc.).
  
  
• Managing and facilitating the detailed design as per the Scatec Solar Operating system.
  
  
• Ensuring that the project programme is reasonable and accurately considers the detailed Design Timeline, key equipment procurement and allowance for commissioning, testing and local Grid Connection requirements

These can be further broken down as follows:

• Follow the guidelines and prescribed company structures as outlined by the Operating System
• Plan and manage engineering resources to ensure tasks are completed and delivered on time, especially with regards to detailed design and contract technical inputs.
  
  
• Ensure all technical parameters in the Project Documents (such as the functional requirements) are incorporated in the Final Project Design.
  
  
• Understand technical and environmental constraints inherent in the project and ensure this is carried through in the detailed design and project contracts.
  
  
• Manage and interface with contractors, utilities and equipment suppliers to establish, negotiate and align all technical aspects of the project
• Establish timelines and schedules based on the project schedule and contracts to ensure successful interconnection, commissioning and grid code compliance
• Assist Business Development to obtain all project permits and licenses, in terms of required engineering input
• Support Supply Chain with technical inputs to the following activities:
• Review (S) - EPC and/or contractor proposals for compliance technically and contractually
• Specification of the spare parts list to be delivered after Execution is completed.
  
  
• Manage the process to complete the technical schedules of the relevant project contracts
• Prepare formal requests, responses or clarifications towards contractors and consultants
• Manage the technical scoring and evaluation of all bids, equipment and contractors
• Lead and manage the technical due diligence process towards the Lenders Technical Advisors
• Assist the PM to establish and mitigate technical risks through an effective and updated Risk Register
• Set up Doc Control and filing protocols to proactively limit time from COD to TTO
• Represent and drive the technical solution when interfacing with internal stakeholders such as the SPV, Asset Management, Business development and others; as we as all external stakeholders typical to a project

Support to projects in delivery/execution

• Follow-up and coordination of engineering discussions with subcontractors and suppliers on all technical matters
• Manage and assess design change requests to be approved by the Lead Engineer and Project Manager
• Assist supply chain with closing out and clarification of key supply contract schedules
• Clarify and agree interfaces towards the grid and the grid operator.
  
  
• Ensure all technical standards are defined prior to the start of construction.
  
  
• Visit site on a regular basis to ensure that construction is being implemented as per the design and in line with relevant technical standards and desired quality
• Plan and manage technical resources (engineering, as-well-as external consultants) throughout the execution stage to ensure resources are available as needed and notified in advance as required
• Provide early warning to the PM on any issues in the project that may influence connection dates or the quality of the final product
• Assist with training of document controllers on site regarding the operating system and project documents
• Assist the SPV representative with clarifications towards lenders and Employer's Technical Advisors
• Ensure that SSO remains compliant to its contractual obligations set in the Project Documents
• Contribute to drafting the relevant project reports (Bi-weekly, monthly etc.)
• Assist the Quality Department with input into technical queries
• Attend and support during project meetings with contractors and utilities
• Establish the plant commissioning and utility compliance plans and procedures.
  
  
• Plan and manage the hot commissioning phase of the plant in coordination with the Site Commissioning manager and Site Construction Manager
• Support in project close out phase by preparing and gathering technical documents as needed to achieve TTO on time

As a general note, the PTM is not expected to be an expert in the detailed design of power plants, but is expected to be well versed and understand core elements of the design philosophy of the plant, particularly when it comes to the electrical, communication and control design of the plant, and how it pertains deliverables above (Contractual inputs; guarantees and warrantees; Contractor VO assessments; establishment of the Commissioning plan, TTO, etc.).

Similarly, the PTM is not expected to be a legal or project finance expert but should have a clear experience and understanding of these structures, and the techno-commercial inputs required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical / Electronical, Mechanical or Electromechanical Engineering
• Masters Degree in Engineering
• 7+ year of engineering experience - Minimum 5 years' experience in construction 7+ year of general engineering experience; or technical project management experience; or equivalent project engineering experience.
  
  
• An excellent knowledge of MS Office, and project reporting
• Exposure to Utility Scale PV / Wind Project execution, developed and executed under Project Finance structures.
  
  
• Ideal: Project Management Certificate
• 3+ years renewable energy experience; Lenders Technical Due Diligence; Owner's Engineer workstreams
• Exposure to High Voltage Networks and Sub-Stations.
  
  
• Based in Cape Town and able to travel to site frequently

Personal characteristics

It is part of every employee's term of reference to contribute to Scatec group's vision: Improving our Future and adhere to our company values which are:

• Predictable: demonstrate clear communication and listening skills, shares information in an open and honest way
• Driving results: demonstrate determination, pro-activeness, can prioritize and work independently
• Changemaker: demonstrate entrepreneurship, can challenge, fast learner, take initiates and adjust
• Working together: demonstrate teamwork, shares responsibilities, can compromise, has a can-do attitude

For the particular role we also expect

• Advanced understanding of basic electrical design and operation of LV/HV and DC/AC systems, distribution and transmission network and physical aspects of renewable energy systems (solar, wind), with a view of planning and implement commissioning, testing and Grid Code Compliance of the plant
• Expert understanding of all relevant contracts (EPC, FIM, O&M, Grid Connection, PPA, etc) and ensure compliance with all contractual requirements
• Ability to understand and mitigate risk to project programme, quality and cost, in respect to the project baseline, and Scatec's minimum requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively with other departments, external parties such as suppliers, contractors, lenders, O&M and management.
  
  Ability to create trust and build confidence in our abilities

We offer
Scatec is an exciting, innovative and ambitious company operating in a growing industry.

We offer a challenging and interesting position where you will be part of a flexible, diverse and truly international working environment consisting of highly competent and committed colleagues with a positive drive to make a difference.

Scatec is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by appropriate law.

All hiring decisions are made based on merit, competence and business need.

Applications will be processed on a continuous basis.

Required Skill Profession

Other General