Chef de projet (H/F)

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.