Operations Manager (Solar & BESS)

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of a portfolio of commercial solar PV and battery storage installations. You will own the full project lifecycle, managing relationships with EPCs, distributors, landlords, tenants, local authorities, and grid operators. This is a hands-on, technically engaged role that requires excellent coordination, stakeholder management skills and a deep understanding of the full project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain healthy EPC relationships
  • Select and appoint EPCs from an approved pool for each project.
  • Validate and onboard new EPCs, assessing capability and compliance.
  • Review and negotiate designs & costs with EPCs, OEMs and/or distributors.
• Manage delivery of high-quality designs and installations
  • Manage the design process with the appointed EPC, including:
    • Ensuring alignment with client specifications.
    • Coordinating on-site visits and reviewing site survey reports.
    • Liaising with client insurance providers to ensure design compliance.
    • Manage cross-site tracking to ensure alignment across all stakeholder organizations and ensure smooth and timely project delivery
  • Coordinate structural surveys with engineering firms, managing implications of reports to designs and costs
  • Coordinate installation planning with EPCs and on-site teams, including scheduling, area clearances, and shutdown windows.
  • Set documentation requirements for EPCs (e.g. PAC tests, weekly progress reports, invoicing documentation).
  • Troubleshoot on-site issues including contractor conflicts, procurement delays, and programme slippage.
  • Ensure strict adherence to Health & Safety requirements throughout the installation phase.
• Ensure projects are grid and planning ready
  • Prepare and submit grid connection applications; manage ongoing communications with the grid operator and EPC.
  • Prepare and submit planning applications; manage the planning process with local authorities through to approval.

Skills & Attributes

• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across different stages and sub-contractors.
• Strong communicator able to engage effectively with sub-contractors, clients, landlords, tenants, DNOs and local authorities.
• Commercial mindset with experience reviewing and challenging quotes and costs.
• Meticulous attention to detail and compliance.
• Proactive problem-solver with a calm, practical approach to on-site challenges.

Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in an operations role within solar PV, battery storage, or adjacent renewable energy / construction sectors.
• Proven track record of delivering multi-site or multi-project programmes on time and on budget.
• Experience managing contractor and supplier relationships, including tendering and commercial negotiation.
• Familiarity with HSEQ standards and requirements for construction and installation projects.
• Comfortable working with technical documentation including design reports, structural assessments, and grid applications.

What we offer

• A collaborative, fast-moving environment with real ownership and responsibility.
• Hybrid (UK based) working environment.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Equity/options in the company, enabling you to share in the long-term success you help create.
• The opportunity to play a central role in the UK's transition to clean energy.