Project Manager - BESS

About the Company

Masdar, the UAE’s flagship clean energy company, is among the world’s leading organisations in renewable energy and green hydrogen. Founded in 2006, it now works across more than 40 countries, supporting national clean energy goals and long-term sustainable development.

The company is jointly owned by ADNOC, Mubadala and TAQA, and its strategic ambition is to reach at least 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, alongside annual green hydrogen production of up to 1 million tonnes by the same year.

Role Overview

This position is responsible for directing the safe, compliant and commercially controlled execution of utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects from financial close through construction, commissioning and final handover to Asset Management.

The Project Manager carries full accountability for programme, cost, quality, contract compliance and grid integration, while coordinating EPC, BoP, BESS OEM, ICP and other key subcontractors to deliver projects in line with Masdar governance, UK regulatory requirements and project-specific performance standards.

The role sits within Masdar’s centralised BESS Delivery function and also supports ongoing improvements in governance, procurement approach and delivery excellence across the wider portfolio.

Project Delivery and Construction Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle delivery of assigned BESS projects through construction and commissioning.
• Serve as the client-side representative under EPC and BoP agreements.
• Verify that programme targets, technical specifications, Employer’s Requirements and grid connection commitments are met.
• Monitor and manage the Principal Contractor’s performance in line with CDM Regulations.
• Coordinate interfaces between civil works, electrical BoP, HV systems, the BESS integrator and ICP.
• Spot delivery risks early and put practical mitigation plans in place.
• Escalate major issues promptly and ensure recovery actions are clearly defined.

Commercial and Contract Administration

• Manage EPC, BoP and BESS contracts in line with Delegation of Authority requirements.
• Assess and scrutinise contractor payment applications.
• Evaluate variations, compensation events and claims.
• Track contingency usage and maintain an up-to-date forecast of the final project cost.
• Safeguard Masdar’s commercial interests throughout delivery.

Programme and Risk Management

• Keep close control of the baseline programme against actual progress.
• Protect the critical path and implement recovery measures where slippage occurs.
• Maintain structured risk registers with clear RAG status.
• Work with contractors to ensure early warning processes are active and effective.

Engineering and Technical Coordination

• Oversee detailed design progression and confirm technical compliance.
• Coordinate integration across BESS containers and PCS, 33kV/132kV substations, grid transformers, protection and control systems, and SCADA, communications and cyber security requirements.
• Ensure compliance with grid code obligations and attend FAT/SAT witness testing where needed.

Commissioning and Handover

• Lead oversight of the commissioning strategy and readiness for energisation.
• Maintain a structured handover interface with Asset Management.
• Confirm performance tests and contractual guarantees are properly validated.
• Ensure handover records and documentation are complete and compliant.

Governance, Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare monthly reporting covering programme, commercial position, risk, HSE and key decisions required.
• Comply with internal governance, audit and procurement processes.
• Help improve BESS delivery standards across the organisation.
• Follow UK CDM Regulations, grid operator requirements, environmental and planning obligations, and Masdar QHSE standards.
• Encourage a strong safety culture across all project activities.

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is preferred. Professional project management credentials such as APM PMQ, PRINCE2 or an equivalent are desirable, and SMSTS or a similar construction qualification is also preferred.

The role calls for 5 to 10 years of experience delivering utility-scale energy infrastructure, with direct exposure to BESS projects, HV substations from 33kV to 132kV and above, EPC contract administration, and grid-connected assets. Experience working under UK CDM regulations and strong involvement in electrical BoP and OEM integration are important.

Skills and Capabilities

• Strong commercial judgement.
• Advanced project and programme control skills.
• Confidence in challenging EPC and OEM contractors constructively.
• Disciplined risk management methods.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-moving, multi-project setting.
• High professional resilience.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration abilities.
• Capability to transfer knowledge to field management teams.
• Independent working style combined with strong teamwork.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving, including digitalisation and data analytics.
• Attention to detail, quality focus, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant QHSE/environmental management software.

Eligibility and Additional Information

Applicants must be based in the UK and already hold the right to work in the country.

As part of the hiring process, personal information will be collected, stored and processed in line with the company’s Candidate Privacy Notice, which explains how applicant data is used.