Project Manager in Kenya at Solarcentury

Job overview

As Project Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for the successful delivery of PV projects (ground mounted and rooftop) of multi Megawatts (MW) per power plant in the located locally and regionally.

He/she will manage and liaise with planning related service providers, grid operators, electric utilities, communities and other involved stakeholders in Kenya. Be responsible for establishing the schedules and budgets of commercial and utility scale solar construction projects, and ensure that milestones and deliverables are met through the life of the PV project.

The Project Manager would need to handle multiple projects simultaneously at various stages of development and construction. Attending and running project specific design meetings with the engineering team and project management meetings on behalf of Solarcentury as the EPC contractor with sub-contractors and clients as required.

Key activities and responsibilities:

• Serve as point of contact for customers/clients during each PV project.
• Manage EPC, subcontractor and O&M contracts for PV projects.
• Driving and supporting site activities in relation to design, planning, installation, and commissioning of systems in accordance to specifications and design requirements.
• Ensuring that operational activities are implemented in accordance with the contract and planning requirements, good industry practise, H&S requirements and engineering standards.
• Monitoring and documenting the construction and commissioning processes through regular site visits.
• Identify risks, issues and solutions during project design through to commissioning and hand over.
• Oversee client/owner responsibilities on PV projects.
• Monitoring and documenting the construction and commissioning processes through regular site visits.
• Preparing and submitting reports on the progress and status of the project
• Reviewing drawings and technical documentation.
• Coordinate the construction of multiple PV projects simultaneously.
• Coordination of installation schedules; management of staffing to ensure on time completion.
• Coordinate with the sales and engineering teams to develop preliminary design budget.
• Responsibility for financial management of budgets, the cash flow and financial forecast for specific PV projects.
• Ensuring O&M activities are properly planned, coordinated and implemented, supervising O&M contractors and sub-contractors.
• Undertaking surveys and assists in the analysis of quotes.
• Work with local authorities to obtain planning permits and other necessary licences, clearances permits for specific PV projects
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with suppliers and partners.
• Implement and develop regular use of standard tools, processes and software to ensure project deliverables.
• The role will report to the Country Director and Regional Director of Operations.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum of 5 years proven experience in Solar PV construction and project management experience with a strong operational background - carrying out due diligence checks and reporting; solar industry experience is essential.
• Experience and understanding of PV Diesel Hybrid generation systems.
• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent combination of education and years of related experience.
• Strong understanding of large-scale multi Megawatt ground-mount solar farm construction.
• High level of experience managing vendor and client payment terms to achieve positive cash flow.
• Experience with design / build contracts from ground up that result in profitable construction projects.
• Understanding of financial models and management of budgeting cash flow.
• Capable of managing multiple projects.
• The ability to create and manage a schedule and budget to required margins.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written.

Desirable skills:

• Experience making day to day decisions at construction site.
• Strong Electrical knowledge and ability to read/understand technical drawings.
• Awareness of British and International standards in terms of operation and regulatory.
• Understanding of subcontractor hiring process with the ability to manage company protocols and ensure the only the best and most ethical subcontractors are used at all times.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety, risk assessment, CDM and Building Regulations.
• Awareness of renewable energy sector, especially solar PV and related policies .
• Familiarity with Solar PV technology, Data logging, Graphic displays and building management systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills; team player attitude.
• Ability to help build and strengthen an organization, building structure over time.
• Strong computer skills, including strength in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid Driver’s License.