Job description
Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP), a leading renewable energy company in the Philippines specializing in high-quality and cost-effective solar energy and energy efficiency solutions, is seeking a proactive and results-oriented Project Manager to join our growing team.
The Project Manager will oversee the full lifecycle of commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, from design and procurement to construction, commissioning, and handover. This role requires extensive experience managing large renewable energy projects in the Philippines, along with strong knowledge of solar technology, project management practices, and local regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Strategy
- Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, resource allocation, and quality management plans.
- Define project objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
- Establish project governance, reporting structures, and communication plans.
Execution & Control
- Lead and oversee all phases of project execution, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, schedule, and budget requirements.
- Manage and monitor project progress against milestones, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions proactively.
- Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with design specifications and quality standards.
- Oversee the management of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors and other third-party vendors, ensuring contract compliance and performance.
- Review and approve project invoices, change orders, and progress payments.
Risk & Issue Management
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks (technical, financial, regulatory, environmental, social).
- Develop contingency plans and problem-solving strategies to address challenges as they arise.
Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary point of contact for internal teams, clients, regulatory bodies (DOE, ERC, BOI, NGCP, LGUs), landowners, and local communities.
- Foster strong working relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment.
- Manage expectations and resolve conflicts in a professional and timely manner.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and motivate a multidisciplinary project team, including internal engineers, procurement specialists, and site personnel.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
Technical Oversight
- Possess a strong understanding of solar PV system design, electrical schematics, civil works, and grid interconnection processes.
- Ensure all designs and construction methods comply with relevant Philippine codes, standards, and best practices.
- Oversee the testing, commissioning, and performance verification of the solar plant.
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure strict compliance with all environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and company policies.
- Manage all project documentation, including permits, licenses, contracts, technical specifications, drawings, and reports.
- Prepare and present regular project status reports to senior management.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Construction Management, or related field is required. An advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in project management or in the renewable energy sector (solar and/or battery storage experience is highly desirable).
- Strong understanding of solar PV and/or battery storage system operations, maintenance, and performance monitoring.
- Proven experience in leading and managing a team, including recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
- Experience with data analysis and performance reporting tools (e.g. Python, Excel, Power BI). Experience with solar monitoring software (e.g. FusionSolar) or battery EMS systems is a plus.
- Contract management and negotiation skills, including experience with project documents and contracts.
- Organizational and project management skills, including strong financial acumen and budgeting experience.
- Familiarity with relevant Philippine regulations and grid codes.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in English.
- Must be willing to travel frequently to project sites as required.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Benefits including leave entitlements, 13th-month pay, annual performance bonus, health insurance, and all mandatory statutory benefits.
- Opportunity to learn and grow in a truly supportive, collaborative, dynamic, and diverse environment.
About this role
About Upgrade Energy Philippines
Company Overview
Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP), a joint venture between PhilCarbon Inc. and Upgrade Energy
HeadquartersMakati, Philippines
Founded2015
SizeApproximately 100 employees (source: linkedin.com). Revenue of approximately $19.3 million in 2023 (source: linkedin.com).
What They Do
Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP) specializes in solar energy solutions, focusing primarily on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for commercial and industrial (C&I) clients. The company develops, installs, and maintains solar energy systems that help businesses reduce energy consumption and operational costs. Their service offerings encompass the entire project lifecycle, from system design to installation and ongoing maintenance. A notable innovation is UGEP's solar leasing program, which allows clients to access solar energy with lower upfront costs, thus facilitating broader adoption of renewable energy solutions in the Philippines (source: linkedin.com). The company primarily targets large corporations, including multinational firms, and has established a strong presence in the C&I solar market.
Projects & Track Record
UGEP has successfully executed a range of significant projects, showcasing its technical capabilities in the solar energy sector. Among its notable achievements is the flagship 13.8 MW solar rooftop project for Merbau Corporation, which is recognized as the largest operational C&I solar rooftop facility in the Philippines for own consumption. This project was completed in two phases, with the first phase of 5.8 MW finished in December 2022 and the second phase of 8 MW completed in April 2023. Additionally, UGEP has completed multiple solar rooftop installations for clients such as CW Home Depot, ARC Refreshments Corporation, and Robinsons Land Corporation, demonstrating its ability to deliver high-quality solar solutions across various regions in the Philippines (source: linkedin.com).
Recent Developments
In recent years, UGEP has made significant strides in expanding its market presence. In 2023, the company secured its first Solar Energy Operating Contract with the Department of Energy for a 50 MW utility-scale solar project, marking its entry into the utility-scale segment. Furthermore, UGEP entered into a joint venture with AboitizPower Distributed Renewables Inc., aiming to enhance its C&I solar rooftop market share. These developments are supported by strategic investments from Clime Capital through the Southeast Asia Clean Energy Fund, which will facilitate UGEP's ambitious growth targets of scaling utility-scale projects to 500 MW by 2030 and C&I solar to over 100 MW by 2028 (source: linkedin.com).
Working There
UGEP's organizational structure includes a range of roles across project development, engineering, construction management, finance, and client relations. The company has seen growth in its workforce, expanding from approximately 50 employees to over 100 as it scales its operations. The primary office is located in Makati City, with potential field roles requiring travel to project sites in regions such as Batangas, Zambales, Visayas, and Mindanao. The corporate culture at UGEP emphasizes sustainable development and social impact, with leadership actively promoting renewable energy adoption and climate action as core mission drivers (source: linkedin.com).
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