Associate Director of Preconstruction
Irvine, CA / Remote, USA
Hanwha Q CELLS USA Corp – Self-Perform Construction /
Full-time (Hybrid) /
Remote
The Associate Director of Preconstruction will lead the internal self-perform Preconstruction Management, Permitting, and Contract Teams 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 Associate Director is expected to draw upon a fundamental construction and engineering background and direct experience to lead preconstruction efforts in support of the successful build out of self-perform MW scale ground mount PV and ESS power plants. The Associate 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 Associate Director will report to the Senior Director of Project Planning 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 25%.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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, Project Management, and Permitting 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 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 Ensure the Preconstruction Management team is communicating and collaborating with the Estimating department to ensure all activities and deliverables are being completed within the parameters of the project schedule and requirements.
o Aid in the development of comprehensive project execution plans, identifying potential risks and mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution.
o Provide input on 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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 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 8 years of experience in engineering or construction;
- Minimum of 3 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;
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills;
- Strong team player with high degree of professionalism in which one conducts self at all times;
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
$155,000 - $180,000 a year
