Director of Projects

Department: Operations 1

Location: Ankeny, IA

Supervisor: Senior Director of Construction

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Permanent, Full time

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

DIRECTOR OF PROJECTS

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

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 Director of Projects is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight and successful delivery of solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This role demands a strategic leader capable of guiding multi-disciplinary teams through the complexities of large-scale solar projects, from initial planning to successful execution and completion. The Director of Projects ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality, while also fostering innovation and continuous improvement. By managing stakeholder relationships, overseeing financial and contract management, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and company standards, the Director plays a crucial role in maintaining the company’s reputation for excellence in the renewable energy sector. This position reports to the Senior Director of Construction or another management personnel that the CEO head may designate. This position is hybrid 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 may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 50%.

Essential Job Function & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Team Management:

• Spearhead project management strategies, ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term objectives.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of Construction Managers, Construction Engineers, and other project personnel, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of solar energy projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, within scope, on time, and within budget.
• Manage project milestones and critical paths, applying rigorous project controls and reporting mechanisms.

• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure project requirements are met and to facilitate smooth project execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and resolution of issues.

• Lead contract negotiations, manage project budgets and oversee financial forecasting and cost control measures.
• Ensure thorough contract review and management, including handling change orders and dispute resolution efficiently.

• Champion the highest standards of quality, health, safety, and environmental compliance across all projects.
• Implement and oversee safety management systems, quality management systems, and environmental management systems, ensuring projects comply with all regulatory and company standards.

• Drive innovation in project execution and management processes.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Generate accurate and timely internal and external project reports, including budget, schedule, and progress updates.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and ensure all project information is appropriately documented and secured.

• Stay abreast of market trends and technological advancements in the solar energy sector.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, bids, and negotiations for new projects.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of solar-specific project management and execution leadership experience, or related field.
• An electrical trades background is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is a plus.
• Extensive track record of successfully building large-scale projects, preferably in the solar industry.
• Knowledge of the solar market, technologies, regulations, and standards
• Have insight to highlight key risk factors and advise EPC cost estimates.
• Capability to interact with leadership cross-culturally, both within and outside the organization
• 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, and other relevant tools
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Strong team player with a high degree of professionalism in which one always conducts self.

EXAMPLES OF 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

EXAMPLES OF 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.