Project Director – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
We are working with a leading investment firm as they build out their development and delivery function, with immediate recruitment needs including a Project Director – BESS .
This role will lead a utility-scale battery storage project through Final Investment Decision (FID), construction and commissioning to Commercial Operation Date (COD).
Representing the interests of the investor and asset owner, you will take overall responsibility for delivering the project safely, within budget, to programme and against agreed technical and commercial objectives.
This opportunity will suit an experienced project leader who combines technical understanding with commercial judgement and can manage the transition from investment readiness into construction and operational handover.
Key Responsibilities
You will be comfortable taking ownership of a complex infrastructure project, combining strategic oversight with attention to delivery detail. You will build productive relationships while holding delivery partners accountable, make timely decisions and communicate risks clearly.
Above all, you will bring a practical approach to moving a project through investment approval, construction and into successful commercial operation.
Investment readiness and FID
Lead the project’s progression towards FID, coordinating technical, commercial and delivery workstreams.
Establish the project execution strategy, construction programme, budget, contingency and risk management plan.
Ensure technical due diligence findings, planning requirements, land arrangements and grid connection obligations are addressed ahead of construction.
Support investment approval papers with clear assessments of delivery readiness, outstanding risks and recommended mitigation.
Lead procurement and contract negotiations alongside legal, commercial and technical colleagues, ensuring clear responsibilities and appropriate allocation of risk.
Construction and delivery
Take overall accountability for project safety, quality, programme, budget and performance.
Lead and oversee EPC contractors, battery suppliers, balance of plant contractors, technical advisers and other delivery partners.
Manage interfaces between battery supply, civil works, electrical infrastructure, grid connection, control systems and commissioning.
Monitor contractor performance and site progress, addressing delivery constraints and emerging issues.
Own project governance, reporting, forecasting, risk management and change control.
Manage contractual matters, including variations, delays and claims, with support from relevant advisers.
Maintain effective relationships with network operators, statutory bodies, landowners and other project stakeholders.
Provide clear reporting to investment teams and senior decision-makers, escalating material issues with practical recommendations.
Commissioning, COD and handover
Lead readiness for energisation, commissioning, performance testing and commercial operation.
Ensure contractual acceptance criteria, performance guarantees and applicable grid requirements are met and documented.
Coordinate operational readiness with asset management teams, operations and maintenance providers, and route-to-market partners.
Oversee handover documentation, warranties, outstanding defects and contractual close-out.
Ensure the completed asset is ready for safe, reliable operation and delivery of its investment objectives.
Requirements
Demonstrable experience leading utility-scale BESS projects through construction, commissioning and operational handover.
Experience progressing energy infrastructure projects towards FID or notice to proceed, including procurement, delivery planning and risk assessment.
Senior responsibility for project budgets, programmes, contracts and multidisciplinary delivery teams.
Practical understanding of BESS technology and the interfaces between battery systems, power conversion equipment, balance of plant, grid infrastructure and control systems.
Experience managing major construction and equipment supply contracts, including performance obligations, variations, claims and delays.
Experience overseeing grid connection, energisation and commissioning activities.
Commercial judgement and an understanding of how delivery decisions affect asset performance and investment returns.
Confidence communicating with investment teams, senior management, contractors and technical advisers.
A relevant engineering, construction or project management qualification, or equivalent professional experience.
Experience working for an infrastructure investor, asset owner, developer or independent power producer.
Experience delivering projects under EPC and multi-contract arrangements.
Familiarity with battery warranties, degradation, availability and performance testing.
Experience working with lenders’ technical advisers and independent engineers.
Chartered status or a recognised project management qualification.
- Competitive base salary of £100,000 – 150,000 with some potential flexibility for the right candidate
- Bonus of 10-30%
- High performing and outcomes focussed team
#J-18808-Ljbffr…