Head of Project Execution

Head of Project Execution

Why You Should Join Our Team

Our client is a growing North American renewable energy company specializing in the engineering, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance of utility-scale photovoltaic power and battery energy storage systems.

As the organization continues to expand across North America, it is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Project Execution to lead the successful delivery of its project portfolio. This executive leadership role oversees all aspects of project execution, including engineering, procurement, project controls, construction, commissioning, and warranty management.

Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of the leadership team, the Head of Project Execution will be accountable for project safety, quality, scheduling, profitability, cash-flow performance, customer satisfaction, and organizational development across projects in Canada and the United States.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Serve as a member of the leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational growth, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Develop and execute the Project Execution strategy to support the company's growth objectives across North America.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to safety, quality, scheduling, profitability, project cash flow, customer satisfaction, and employee development.
• Lead monthly project portfolio reviews and executive reporting on project performance, financial forecasts, risks, and opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen project delivery, organizational scalability, and profitability.
• Oversee the company's health and safety program.

Project Delivery and Operational Leadership

• Provide oversight of all utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects from contract award through final completion and warranty.
• Lead engineers, construction managers, project managers, project engineers, procurement and logistics personnel, project controls staff, and superintendents through project planning, design, execution, commissioning, and closeout.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.
• Oversee project execution standards, policies, procedures, and best practices across all project teams.
• Ensure staffing levels, resources, and organizational structures support successful project delivery.

Financial Performance and Business Management

• Own the Project Execution business unit P&L and overall project portfolio financial performance.
• Partner with the CFO to optimize project cash flow, forecasting, working capital, and financial reporting.
• Monitor project profitability and lead corrective action plans when performance deviates from approved budgets.
• Lead project portfolio risk assessments and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.

Engineering and Technical Leadership

• Oversee engineering standards, design reviews, constructability assessments, and value-engineering initiatives.
• Ensure alignment among engineering, procurement, and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance concerning utility-scale solar PV, battery energy storage systems, substations, collector systems, and interconnection infrastructure.
• Support innovation initiatives and the implementation of emerging technologies and industry best practices.

Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Develop and execute procurement and supply chain strategies that support project delivery and profitability objectives.
• Oversee major equipment procurement and subcontractor awards.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, logistics providers, and key industry partners.
• Ensure supply chain risks are identified and mitigated throughout project execution.

Commercial and Contract Management

• Work closely with other members of the leadership team during project pursuits, contract negotiations, and project handovers.
• Provide project execution expertise and risk assessments during contract reviews and project development.
• Lead commercial management throughout project execution, including contract compliance, change management, claims mitigation, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure the timely identification, documentation, pricing, negotiation, and recovery of change orders and claims.
• Support the resolution of disputes involving owners, subcontractors, suppliers, and project partners.

Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental Leadership

• Maintain overall accountability for health, safety, environmental, and quality performance throughout the organization.
• Foster a culture in which safety is the highest priority across all projects and operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, permits, company standards, and client requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality assurance, quality control, and operational excellence.

Commissioning, Documentation, Turnover, and Warranty

• Partner with the Director of Operations and Maintenance to ensure successful project commissioning, turnover, and operational readiness.
• Oversee documentation and commissioning strategies, testing procedures, and project closeout activities.
• Manage warranty administration and the resolution of warranty claims.
• Ensure lessons learned from project execution and warranty activities are incorporated into future projects.

Talent Development and Organizational Leadership

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing project execution teams.
• Establish clear performance expectations and development plans for direct reports and project leadership personnel.
• Conduct talent reviews, succession planning, and workforce planning activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Promote professional development and leadership growth throughout the organization.

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, utilities, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Act as a senior company representative in customer meetings, project reviews, and industry engagements.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and client satisfaction throughout project execution.

Experience and Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related technical discipline.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in EPC, renewable energy, power generation, or large-scale infrastructure construction.
• At least seven years of leadership experience managing multidisciplinary project delivery organizations.
• Demonstrated success delivering utility-scale solar, power generation, transmission, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and warranty processes.
• Deep understanding of utility-scale solar PV construction methods, sequencing, and execution strategies.
• Strong understanding of project controls, scheduling, cost control, procurement, estimating, forecasting, and project accounting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of contract administration, commercial management, and claims management.
• Proven ability to manage large project portfolios and cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout Canada and the United States.
• Valid driver's licence and ability to meet company driving and background-check requirements.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer designation, Project Management Professional certification, General Contractor licence, or equivalent experience.
• Experience delivering utility-scale solar projects exceeding 50 MW.
• Experience with utility-scale battery energy storage systems.
• Experience operating within both Canadian and U.S. construction markets.
• Experience working in unionized construction environments.
• Knowledge of EPC, EPCM, Design-Build, CCDC, FIDIC, and other utility-scale energy contract structures.
• Understanding of utility and ISO interconnection processes and requirements.

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Project gross-margin achievement
• Schedule adherence and on-time project delivery
• Project cash flow and working-capital performance
• Change-order recovery and claims-management effectiveness
• Customer satisfaction and repeat business
• Quality performance and warranty outcomes
• Employee engagement, retention, and development
• Achievement of the company's strategic growth and operational objectives

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of CA$200,000–$225,000, depending on experience
• Eligibility for an annual company bonus of up to 20%
• RRSP matching program
• Comprehensive health and dental coverage
• Additional medical reimbursement benefits
• Hybrid work environment requiring four days per week in the Calgary office
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing North American renewable energy organization