We are seeking an experienced and driven Principal Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of complex hydropower projects across their full lifecycle; from feasibility and detailed design through to construction, commissioning, and handover.

As Principal Project Manager, you will take full accountability for safety, programme, cost, quality, and commercial performance, ensuring all projects are delivered in line with contractual, regulatory, and environmental requirements. Acting as the primary interface for clients and stakeholders, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality hydropower schemes and driving long-term business success.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Provide strategic leadership and direction across multiple hydropower projects
• Develop and manage integrated project plans, schedules, and resource strategies
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental disciplines
• Ensure effective coordination across design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning
• Chair project governance meetings, progress reviews, and stakeholder forums

Hydropower Project Management

• Oversee delivery of projects including turbines, generators, control systems, and civil infrastructure (e.g. penstocks, powerhouses, tailraces)
• Manage construction and commissioning activities within live water environments
• Ensure environmental, planning, and ecological requirements are embedded into delivery
• Coordinate outage planning and manage interfaces with operational assets

Commercial & Financial Management

• Take full P&L responsibility, including forecasting and revenue management
• Develop and control project budgets, monitoring performance and implementing corrective actions
• Manage contracts using NEC and FIDIC frameworks
• Lead change control, variations, and claims management
• Support tendering, estimating, and business development activities

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Develop procurement strategies for major equipment and subcontracted works
• Manage supplier and subcontractor performance and relationships
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery

Health, Safety, Quality & Risk

• Champion a proactive safety culture across all project activities
• Implement robust risk management and mitigation strategies
• Ensure quality assurance processes deliver "right first time" outcomes
• Capture and apply lessons learned across projects

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and key stakeholders
• Build strong relationships with regulators, environmental bodies, and third parties
• Ensure clear and consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle
• Drive client satisfaction and repeat business

Your skills and experiences:

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Proven track record managing hydropower or renewable energy projects
• Experience delivering complex, multidisciplinary engineering programmes
• Strong commercial and contractual expertise (NEC / FIDIC)
• Demonstrated success in risk management and project controls
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• SMSTS, SSSTS, or IOSH Managing Safely certification
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Desirable

• Project management accreditation (APM, MSP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
• Engineering background (civil, mechanical, or electrical) within energy or hydropower
• Experience across both greenfield and refurbishment projects

Personal Attributes

• Leadership & Accountability: Leads by example and drives high performance
• Commercial Awareness: Strong focus on value, cost control, and profitability
• Problem Solver: Analytical approach to complex challenges
• Results Driven: Committed to delivering excellence and continuous improvement
• Organised: Able to manage complex programmes and competing demands
• Collaborative: Influences effectively across teams and stakeholders
• Flexible: Willing to travel to sites across the UK

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role please send your CV and letter of application explaining how you meet the requirements of the role to:-

Email: recruitment@quartzelec.com

Strictly no agencies please

Quartzelec is an equal opportunities employer

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