Director of Programme Delivery

A key strategic role and member of the senior management team leading the delivery and construction of Bluefield’s multi-GW new build solar and BESS project pipeline. Direct responsibility and accountability for teams managing processes from acquisition to EPC/ICP signature and then through construction to energisation. Ensuring teams deliver the highest quality projects on time and on budget to the required health, safety and quality standards, identifying and managing key risks and in line with Bluefield’s ESG policies. Working closely with Bluefield’s asset management company to prepare and manage the handover of the newly constructed assets at PAC to the appointed Commercial Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct line management responsibility for the Head of Project Delivery, Head of Grid Services, and the Head of Construction and their respective teams (c10 combined).
• Principal ownership in collaboration with the Investment team, of the deployment of funds across the Ready to Build pipeline, assuming responsibility for the commercial and technical management of Bluefield’s post-planning pipeline (c2GW) from planning approval through the EPC construction phase, to commissioning and beyond into the warranty period (likely PAC/Take Over Certificate/equivalent).
• Support the Head of Delivery in managing the tender processes and contract negotiation of EPC, ICP and other key contractors, including the management of milestone payments and any retentions and/or liquidated damage and retentions.
• Support the Head of Construction in managing the construction process from pre-construction activities through to commissioning and into the warranty period (likely PAC/equivalent).
• Work closely with Heads of HSEQ, Risk Management and ESG to ensure compliance across all aspects of project delivery.
• Establish a procurement programme for long-lead items, and other components where required, to help deliver the pipeline in the most cost-effective manner.
• Develop and maintain appropriate systems and processes, including KPIs and progress/key activity trackers for all pre- and under-construction projects, including fixed and variable cost benchmarking, risk management and management of data systems.
• Managing the Heads of Project Delivery, Head of Grid and Head of Construction, and their respective teams, and utilising either internal resources (Planning, Engineering, Grid) or external contractors as appropriate to:
• Ensure projects are constructed in line with the agreed design and EPC agreements, to the highest quality in a timely manner and in accordance with relevant CDM and H&S guidelines.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders and contractors through the construction process, including DNOs, landowners and the local community.
• Manage any new build extension projects to existing, operational BSIF assets.
• Ensure each plant is compliant with Ofgem regulations and requirements in preparation for post-commissioning operations.
• Handover outstanding Punch List issues, defects, and performance LDs with EPC Contractors at PAC, as appropriate.
• Design and populate a handover pack for each project, in order that asset management services commence post-commissioning.
• Ensure production of timely and informative reports, for both internal and external stakeholders, including interim and full annual market reporting as required.
• Design and maintain GANTT charts for each project, ensuring relevant stakeholders are routinely informed of key event timetables.
• Work closely with internal and external development teams to take the projects from ready to build to shovel-ready stages, ensuring a comprehensive handover of key issues and stakeholder relationships including remaining planning discharges, CTMPs, LEMP requirements, community-related matters, landowner liaison etc.

Ad Hoc Duties

• As a senior manager, you will be required to participate in all aspects of the business of Bluefield which may also include appropriate tasks outside of the primary duties and responsibilities. This may involve, as required by business needs, undertaking site visits to the development and construction projects or constructed plants, as required by your on occasion, this may involve overnight stays in suitable hotel accommodation.
• Provide leadership, support, input and/or assistance, to ad hoc tasks, projects, and initiatives as required from time to time, including (if appropriate) temporary commercial management of operating plants to cover periods of absence of other team members and input into value protection and value enhancement initiatives across the operating portfolio of assets.
• As required, assist/lead in the recruitment and line management of existing and/or new team members.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Degree level qualification in Engineering, Construction or work experience equivalent.
• Extensive direct experience in the delivery of multiple, utility-scale renewable energy and BESS projects across multi-year timelines.
• Experience of establishing and managing appropriate systems and processes to enable effective control and reporting of programme delivery.
• Experience of leading contractual negotiations with EPC and ICPs, managing contracts, overseeing construction delivery as well as involvement in procurement of equipment.
• Experience of managing network requirements and technical aspects around connections at distribution and transmission levels.
• Strong technical understanding, communication and project management skills, underpinned by knowledge of, and commitment to, the highest standards of health, safety and environmental management and planning compliance.
• Proven ability to work in a pressured, fast-paced environment, managing high-performing teams and collaborating across a range of internal business areas and external consultants.

Job Location

Based in London, with business travel. Hybrid working available. You may occasionally be required to stay away overnight for periods of time to facilitate meetings, conferences and group duties.

Hours of Work

This role is primarily Monday to Friday from 09:00am to 17:30pm but will routinely involve longer hours.