Project Manager - BESS

Job Description

Please note: Applicants should be UK based and already have the right to work here.

To lead the safe, compliant and commercially disciplined delivery of utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects from financial close through construction, commissioning and handover to Asset Management.

The Project Manager is fully accountable for programme, cost, quality, contractual compliance and grid integration, managing EPC, BoP, BESS OEM, ICP and key subcontractors to ensure successful delivery in accordance with Masdar governance, UK regulatory frameworks and project-specific performance requirements.

The role operates within Masdar’s centralised BESS Delivery vertical and contributes to continuous improvement of governance, procurement strategy, and delivery standards across the portfolio.

Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Construction Management

• Lead end-to-end delivery of assigned BESS project(s) through construction and commissioning.
• Act as Client Representative under EPC / BoP contracts.
• Ensure compliance with programme, technical specifications, Employer’s Requirements and grid connection agreements.
• Manage Principal Contractor performance under CDM Regulations.
• Coordinate civil, electrical BoP, HV, BESS integrator and ICP interfaces.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Escalate critical issues with defined recovery plans.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Administer EPC/BoP/BESS contracts in accordance with Delegation of Authority.
• Review and challenge contractor applications for payment.
• Assess variations, compensation events and claims.
• Monitor contingency drawdown and forecast final cost.
• Protect Masdar’s commercial position at all times.

Programme & Risk Control

• Maintain detailed oversight of baseline vs actual programme.
• Ensure critical path protection and recovery strategies where required.
• Implement structured risk registers with RAG status.
• Coordinate early warning mechanisms with contractors.

Engineering & Technical Integration

• Oversee detailed design development and technical compliance.
• Manage integration of:
  • BESS containers and PCS
  • 33kV/132kV substations
  • Grid transformers
  • Protection & control schemes
  • SCADA, communications and cyber security requirements
• Ensure grid code compliance and witness FAT/SAT where required.

Commissioning & Handover

• Oversee commissioning strategy and energisation readiness.
• Ensure structured interface with Asset Management.
• Validate performance testing and contractual guarantees.
• Secure complete and compliant handover documentation.

Governance & Reporting

• Produce structured monthly reports covering:
  • Programme
  • Commercial status
  • Risk
  • HSE
  • Key decisions required
• Ensure compliance with internal Masdar governance, audit and procurement processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement of BESS Delivery standards.

QHSE & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • UK CDM Regulations
  • Grid operator requirements
  • Environmental and planning conditions
  • Masdar QHSE standards
• Promote a strong safety culture across all project activities.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• APM PMQ / PRINCE2 / equivalent desirable.
• SMSTS or equivalent construction qualification preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• 5–10 years’ experience delivering utility-scale energy infrastructure.
• Direct experience in:
• BESS projects
• HV substations (33kV–132kV+)
• EPC contract administration
• Grid-connected assets
• Experience working under UK CDM regulations.
• Strong exposure to electrical BoP and OEM integration.

Job-Specific Skills:

• Strong commercial acumen.
• Advanced programme management capability.
• Ability to challenge EPC/OEM contractors effectively.
• Structured risk management approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate in fast-paced multi-project environment.
• High degree of professional resilience.

Additional Information

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to facilitate knowledge transfer down to the field management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, specifically managing digitalisation and data analytics.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant QHSE software (e.g., environmental management systems software).

As part of the application process, we will collect, store and process personal information about you.

Masdar will use your personal information in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice, which provides details on the purposes for which your data is processed.