Head of Project Engineering

Company Description

We are one of the Financial Times' Africa's Fastest Growing Companies! PowerGen ranked 40th in the overall rankings and 5th in the Energy & Utilities sector. PowerGen a leading renewable energy platform in sub-Saharan Africa. PowerGen owns and operates renewable energy and distribution utility assets to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power to all. We are looking for professionals who want to be a part of a highly driven team which is at the forefront of the market and hungry to reshape the landscape of energy in Africa. We want leaders who are committed to the mission and able to think broadly and dynamically about a complex challenge, without losing focus on the critical day-to-day details of managing projects or a team.

Visit our website: http://powergen-renewable-energy.com/

Job Description

Job Locations; Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg

Purpose / Overview

The Head of Project Engineering will lead the project engineering function for our Solar +BESS+ Diesel/Gas hybrid installations with or without MV/LV distribution networks, providing leadership, ensuring high standards of design, quality, and cost-effectiveness, while bridging knowledge gaps across multiple teams. She/He will oversee the full design lifecycle from concept to detailed design and commissioning, ensuring integration of electrical, mechanical, and civil elements into a unified and efficient project engineering process.

KPIs:

1. Accuracy and quality of project designs (minimizing errors and rework).

2. Efficiency in design process timelines and meeting project milestones.

3. Team development and ability to transfer  knowledge.

4. Innovation and cost reduction in design methodologies.

Activities:

1. Leadership & Team Management:

   • Lead and manage the Project Engineering team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.

   • Mentor and develop engineers, particularly around solar, storage, hybrid, and grid-interactive systems, to bridge technical knowledge gaps.

   • Lead and manage design reviews and approvals to ensure high-quality, compliant designs.

2. Design & Technical Oversight:

   • Oversee preliminary and detailed design for Solar +BESS+ Diesel/Gas hybrid installations with or without MV/LV distribution networks, covering electrical, mechanical, and civil aspects.

   • Ensure designs meet technical(international), environmental, and regulatory standards.

   • Provide technical leadership in optimizing designs for cost efficiency, system performance, and ease of installation and maintenance.

   • Interface with other departments such as BD, Investments, Supply Chain etc to ensure client/project needs are met and BD leads/projects are closed.

3. Quality Assurance & Process Improvement:

   • Develop and implement engineering processes, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and quality across all designs.

   • Establish a robust quality control system to reduce errors, minimize rework, and manage risk in the design process.

   • Continuously refine and improve the engineering processes to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

4. Project Lifecycle Activities Management:

   • Oversee project designs from conception to construction, ensuring designs are aligned with project goals and client expectations.

   • Coordinate closely with project management and construction contractors to ensure seamless transition from design to execution.

   • Ensure compliance with all design safety, environmental, and regulatory standards throughout the design and execution stages.

5. Stakeholder Management:

   • Collaborate with internal teams, including project management, business development, and supply chain, to align design goals with business and client needs.

   • Manage relationships with external consultants, suppliers, and contractors involved in the design and construction process.

6. Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

   • Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and regulatory developments in solar, hybrid systems and MV/LV distribution.

   • Drive innovation in design strategies and technology adoption to enhance project performance and efficiency.

Qualifications

Competencies:

1. Education:
   Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering (with strong experience in renewable energy systems).

2. Experience:

   • Minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and engineering renewable energy systems, with at least 5 years in Solar +BESS+ Diesel/Gas hybrid installations and MV/LV distribution networks.

   • Extensive experience in design management and leading engineering teams, preferably in the C&I and mini-grid sectors.

   • Proven experience managing design processes for projects ranging from 500 kWp to 10 MWp.

3. Skills:

   1. Deep knowledge of Solar +BESS+ Diesel/Gas hybrid installations and MV/LV distribution networks design.

   2. Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, PVSyst, Helioscope, etc.).

   3. Strong understanding of grid-interactive systems, off-grid systems, SCADA, and metering integration.

   4. Excellent leadership, management, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Additional Information

What Excites You:

• Intense attention to detail and managing multiple and varied work streams at the same time

• Working collaboratively with many internal teams across multiple countries and offices to drive growth and operational excellence

• A fast-paced, informal environment where constant change is the norm.

Benefits & Compensation

• Remote work

• On-the-job mentoring and learning opportunities

• Networking with experienced professionals

• Work experience for professional profile and resume

• Professional development opportunities internally and externally  Individualized career development

• Performance feedback and open-door company culture