Chief of Construction

Chief Construction Officer (CCO) - Head of Construction & Operations

Phillip Riley are delighted to be partnering with an Australian owned firm in their search for a a senior Executive to lead their Construction and Operations function in Australia.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will be responsible for establishing and leading a Construction & Operations function in Australia and supporting the Australian team during all other stages of Projects (Development, Connection, Acquisition, Transaction, Project Finance, Operation & Maintenance and Asset Management).

Primary Responsibilities

The CCO is accountable for the safe, on-time and on-budget delivery of construction projects, specifically large-scale solar, BESS and wind generation projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Obtain the necessary permits, licences and systems of work to carry out an EPC construction business
• Setting up systems to ensure ongoing compliance with the licencing and other regulatory regimes
• Establishing and overseeing safe systems of work, and a health and safety assurance system appropriate to an EPC Contractor for large-scale renewable energy projects
• Lead negotiations with key construction contractors, including commercial and technical terms, to achieve complete construction contract packages that achieve project aims, such as bankability
• Coordinate construction contract negotiation inputs from other team members and external consultants (such as external lawyers)
• Support the formulation of bid documents and EPC or multicontract proposals
• Working together with the Engineering and Procurement departments, run competitive processes for sub-contract works for construction projects
• Support corporate decision-makers by providing detailed recommendations, providing an evaluation of whether or not opportunities are worth investing company resource commitments.
• Maintain communications with a project investor’s representatives (for example, Owner’s Engineer, and lawyers) as well as formally report to investors on a monthly basis
• Internal communication (e.g. incl. forums and participants) as agreed at project construction start
• Develop and implement appropriate handover processes on project completion (for example, to project investors and to the companies Asset Management team)
• Ensure that the exposure to risk is fully compatible with the Company’s requirements
• Manage the development of assigned proposals, developing proposal plans, outlines and schedules.
• Support development of standard material for use in future proposals and business process.
• Coordinate a team of individuals to manage construction of large-scale renewable energy projects
• Establish and implement the Project Execution Plan (including quality plan, inspection plan)
• Management and quality control of design work implemented during the construction phase
• Management of contractors and coordination of the construction works
• Develop project budgets and monitor and report on project costs over time
• Taking accountability for Budget, Time Schedule, Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety and Social of projects to be built.
• Effectively communicate project expectations to internal and external team members in a timely and clear fashion.
• Liaise with project stakeholders on an ongoing basis.
• Determine and assess need for additional staff and/or consultants and make the appropriate management recommendations.
• Set and continually manage project expectations with team members and other stakeholders.
• Build, develop, and grow any business relationships vital to the success of the project.
• Develop best practices and tools for project execution and management.
• Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the companies standards and local regulations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Minimum capabilities will include the following:

• Bachelor or Master's degree in an Engineering or Project Management Discipline (electrical preferred but not mandatory);
• Experience in building a renewable EPC business from the ground up would be highly desirable
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience working on construction or infrastructure projects including any large-scale power generation plants/projects (photovoltaic experience will be prioritized)
• Strong organizational and time management skills; the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally with staff, management, clients, suppliers, community partners and external stakeholders;
• Understand key concepts of legal agreements, contracts both domestically and internationally;
• A proven ability to evaluate corporate risk and corporate exposure;
• Understanding of the corporate structure, processes, and key personnel.
• Able to work within the framework of short-term deadlines and results mixed-in with the long-term strategic corporate objectives
• Strong understanding of PV system design, including the proper usage of basic components and conventional installation and interconnection methods;
• Wide knowledge of relevant regulations and standards (e.g. electrical code, building codes, international design standards, local PPAs, etc.);
• Solid and effective interpersonal and communication skills (including oral, written and visual);
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
• Ability to work cross-functionally, collaboratively and cross-culturally;
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and Project;
• Proficient in AutoCAD or SolidWorks CAD software is desirable;
• Experience of Oracle Primavera 6 and/or Microsoft Project is required
• Accuracy and attention to detail a must;
• Demonstrated independent thinking, initiative, and creativity;
• Ability to function successfully both independently and within a team;
• Experience working for an international organization strongly preferred;
• 30% travel required through the region and valid driver’s license required and;
• Advanced English language fluency is required

Please note: Phillip Riley has been engaged as the exclusive search partner for this assignment and any direct or third party applications will be forwarded to Phillip Riley for objective assessment and consideration.