Director of Preconstruction
Irvine, CA / Remote, USA
Hanwha Q CELLS USA Corp – Self-Perform Construction /
Full-time (Hybrid) /
Remote
The Director of Preconstruction will lead the internal Preconstruction Team and will play a vital role within the Hanwha Q CELLS USA organization to enable our vision of becoming the leading solar solution provider in the Americas. As a key member of the EPC management team the Director is expected to draw upon a fundamental construction and engineering background and direct experience to lead all preconstruction and estimating efforts in support of the successful build out of self-perform MW scale ground mount PV and ESS power plants. The Director will also build and mentor a large diverse cross functional team located throughout the Americas, as well as oversees a broad network of suppliers and partners. The Director will report to the Sr. Director of Preconstruction of Hanwha Q CELLS USA Corp., or another senior management personnel that the Vice President and/or President of the Company may designate. This position is remote (unless located in Irvine, CA) and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 30%.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Leadership
- Process Implementation & Management
- Estimation and Cost Management
- Project Planning and Risk Evaluation
- EPC Contract Management
- Stakeholder Engagement/Management
- Departmental Management
o Lead and manage a team of preconstruction professionals, including EPC Contracts department, Estimation, Project Management, Permitting and Project Planning, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
o Mentor and coach team members to foster their professional growth and development, providing regular feedback and opportunities for skill enhancement.
o Serve as a mediator in resolving conflicts or disputes within the preconstruction team or with external stakeholders, fostering positive working relationships and maintaining project momentum.
o Champion a culture of safety within the preconstruction team and across project sites, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols, training, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
o Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical business practices, serving as a role model for the team and upholding the company's values and culture.
o Oversee all preconstruction activities from project inception to award, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgetary constraints.
o Drive process improvements and implement best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of preconstruction operations.
o Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in preconstruction and project management, sharing knowledge and insights with the team to drive innovation and improvement.
o Direct the estimation team in preparing accurate and competitive bids for solar projects, utilizing HeavyBid/HCSS software and proficient knowledge of WBS codes and cost types.
o Have a good understanding of market pricing for major cost categories such as inverter, tracker, module, pile, and EBOS material and installation.
o Develop comprehensive project execution plans, identifying potential risks and mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution.
o Evaluate project schedules and provide insight on durations and relationships of activities.
o Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to negotiate and execute EPC contracts, ensuring compliance with company standards and legal requirements.
o Lead commercial negotiations with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers to secure favorable terms and pricing for project materials and services.
o Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, engineers, and regulatory agencies, to facilitate communication and ensure project alignment.
o Manage expectations with clients to ensure project success while forging lasting relationships with the client to promote repeat business.
o Manage an extensive pipeline of PV solar and ESS projects from a diverse portfolio of internal developed and third-party clients.
o Lead the team through organizational changes, ensuring smooth transitions and effective adaptation to new processes, technologies, and project requirements.
o Make strategic decisions regarding resource allocation, project prioritization, and risk management, leveraging expertise and input from the preconstruction team and other key stakeholders.
o Identify and develop future leaders within the preconstruction team, creating opportunities for advancement and succession planning to ensure continuity of leadership and talent within the organization.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or another related field is preferred;
- Graduate degree in engineering or another related field is highly preferred;
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred;
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in engineering or construction;
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in solar development;
- Extensive track record of successfully designing and building large scale solar power plants preferably in the Americas, and a demonstrated track record of delivering results;
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of all phases of the renewables power plant development, including engineering, procurement, and construction and project management;
- Experience working with project developers and understanding of the RFP process;
- Have insight to highlight key risk factors and provide and deliver best EPC cost estimates;
- Solid experience with current solar EPC tools and processes, and remain current on best practices and trends in the industry;
- Demonstrated track record of initiating programs that lead to significant cost reduction and/or performance improvement;
- Understanding of solar module manufacturing and O&M experience is a plus;
- Ability to manage and lead large technical organizations, including significant experience managing numerous suppliers and contractors;
- Capability to interact with leadership cross-culturally, both within and outside the organization;
- Have both long-term strategic perspective and near-term action orientation, strong desire to continuously improve and push limits;
- Strong team player with high degree of professionalism in which one conducts self at all times;
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
$180,000 - $240,000 a year
