Project Technical Manager

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 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 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 Manager 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.
• 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.
• Ensure all technical parameters in the Project Documents are incorporated in the Final Project Design.
• Understand technical and environmental constraints inherent in the project.
• Manage and interface with contractors, utilities and equipment suppliers.
• Establish timelines and schedules based on the project schedule.
• Assist Business Development to obtain all project permits and licenses.
• 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 and external stakeholders.

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.
• 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.
• Plan and manage technical resources throughout the execution stage.
• Provide early warning to the PM on any issues in the project.
• Assist with training of document controllers on site.
• Assist the SPV representative with clarifications towards lenders and Employer’s Technical Advisors.
• Ensure that SSO remains compliant to its contractual obligations.
• Contribute to drafting the relevant project reports.
• Assist the Quality Department with input into technical queries.
• Attend and support during project meetings.
• Establish the plant commissioning and utility compliance plans and procedures.
• Plan and manage the hot commissioning phase of the plant.
• Support in project close out phase.

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.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical / Electronical, Mechanical or Electromechanical Engineering.
• Masters Degree in Engineering.
• 7+ year of engineering experience.
• An excellent knowledge of MS Office, and project reporting.
• Exposure to Utility Scale PV / Wind Project execution.
• Ideal: Project Management Certificate.
• 3+ years renewable energy experience.
• 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.
• Driving results: demonstrate determination, pro-activeness, can prioritize and work independently.
• Changemaker: demonstrate entrepreneurship, can challenge, fast learner, take initiatives and adjust.
• Working together: demonstrate teamwork, shares responsibilities.

For the particular role we also expect

• Advanced understanding of basic electrical design and operation.
• Expert understanding of all relevant contracts.
• Ability to understand and mitigate risk to project programme, quality and cost.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other departments and external parties.

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.

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.

Applications will be processed on a continuous basis.