Senior Manager, Field Operations

Department: Self-Perform Construction

Location: Irvine, CA

Supervisor: Director of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Permanent/Full-time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Hybrid

Senior Manager, Field Operations

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (“HQC US”) develops, invests, and delivers solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects through Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) services in North America.

The company brings a decade of global leadership in solar PV to deliver utility-scale power generation plants customized for local and regional energy markets. HQC US offers the full spectrum of PV solutions – from the core technology of cells and modules to large-scale project development and investment. With proven capabilities across the solar and battery storage value chain, HQC US minimizes uncertainty and risk, and helps customers achieve a higher return on their investment in renewable energy.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

Summary

The successful Senior Field Operations Manager will lead a team of Site Managers and General Superintendents through planning, execution, and commissioning a portfolio of utility-level solar power generation facilities. This position reports to the Director of Operations, or another management personnel that the President of the Company may designate. This position is in Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours will be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 50%.

Essential Job Function & Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the construction management and execution teams in the successful build-out of solar PV and battery storage solutions in the Americas, which includes the USA, Canada, and Latin America with a key focus on safety and driving incident rates lower continuously.
• Identify, interview, and hire key execution personnel, including Foremen, General Foremen, Superintendents, General Superintendents, Site Managers, and Field Operations Managers.
• Conduct bid reviews, perform estimating, manage preconstruction activities, and carry out thorough site investigations.
• Assist in cross departmental management and policy development i.e. Fleet and Equipment, Quality, Safety, and Training/Compliance departments.
• Work closely with both internal Project Control and Commercial Management teams and our USS and Development teams to successfully bid and win large-scale ground-mount PV power plants.battery energy storage facilities, and transmission/distribution networks.
• Be accountable for developing and successfully executing cost-reduction programs through the optimization of people, processes, technologies, and execution strategies.
• Cooperation with the Engineering team to improve design efficiency and constructability in terms of cost reduction through value engineering efficient execution practices; and to resolve technical issues on site.
• Design and oversee training programs to ensure compliance with established methods and safe work practices.
• Survey the project craft plan, including labor, equipment and material & subcontractor selection, for all assigned solar projects.
• Guide and participate in project kick-off and alignment meetings as necessary.
• Analyze departmental activities to evaluate and enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Review project schedules, provide feedback during initial planning, monitor adherence, and manage changes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assess manpower requirements and execution plans across all projects.
• Provide regular feedback and guidance to project leadership regarding resource management.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all contractual obligations for the project portfolio and document any variances.
• Provide consistent and exemplary leadership to ensure successful project delivery.
• Champion the highest standards of quality, health, safety, and environmental compliance across all projects.
• Support project site teams by ensuring thorough review of drawings and documentation prior to task commencement.
• Foster and maintain strong client relationships.
• Uphold and enforce Qcells’ company policies for operations personnel across the organization.
• Drive innovation in project execution and management processes.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• 10-15 years experience in supervisory roles
• An electrical trades background is preferred.
• Proven track record in a leadership role on large projects
• Experience dealing with subcontracts and subcontractors
• Minimum of 5 years of solar specific professional experience managing the performance of major projects
• Manage expectations with clients to ensure project success while forging lasting relationships with the client to promote repeat business.
• Construction safety awareness and comprehension
• Knowledge of the solar market, technologies, regulations, and standards
• Have insight to highlight key risk factors and advise EPC cost estimates
• Conflict management skills
• Multi-tasking ability (prioritize, organize, schedule work)
• Problem-solving skills (identify, analyze, research, evaluate, resolve)
• Knowledge of cost code labor productivity systems
• Demonstrated ability in managing utility-level power generation system install projects: development, planning, installation and execution
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, and other relevant tools
• Fluent in written and spoken English; other language skills are a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Have both a long-term strategic perspective and near-term action orientation, and a strong desire to continuously improve and push limits
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks and deadlines
• Ability to travel, up to 50% of the time

SALARY RANGE FOR POSITION

The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is to be located in Irvine, CA is $160,000 – $190,000 base salary per year.

The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 50% as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at [email protected].

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.

This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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