Head of Planning & Logistics

About Lightsource bp

Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects. We are a 50:50 joint venture with bp with a mission to help drive the world’s transition to low carbon energy.

With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years, we are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. By joining the Lightsource bp team, you will ‘be the change’ on the world’s energy transition to a more sustainable future.

We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit as we continue to push the boundaries of an ever-changing energy landscape. By choosing a career with us, you can expect a challenging and fulfilling role surrounded by people who are passionate and have brilliant ideas about sustainable technology, innovation and making the world a better place.

Purpose of the role

To lead the Planning and Logistics functions within the Operations & Maintenance business unit.  The role will encompass all aspects of service delivery, reporting and commercial development through safe, timely, efficient, and cost-effective deployment of resources and spares management.

As Head of P&L you will be required to leverage support and bring forward best practice from the Group procurement as well as ensuring the effective running of the business’s storage/warehouse functions.

This role also encompasses the strategic development of maintenance and logistics planning, the deployment and then governance of EAMS for O&M, owning supplier rebate programs to enhance revenue, and developing a comprehensive workload and capacity forecasting framework.

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead the annual Planned Maintenance and Logistics plans for each customer and site, including E, M&I, Grounds Maintenance, and drone thermography surveys, ensuring these plans are continuously updated to reflect asset performance and operational life..
• Drive the rollout and adoption of Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS) across O&M activities, ensuring a seamless integration of maintenance and logistics operations.
• Develop and manage strategic contracts with suppliers, including negotiating rebates and incentives to drive revenue and reduce costs.
• Own the business workload and capacity forecasting processes, ensuring a deep understanding of current and future business requirements, and aligning resources accordingly.
• Build and maintain proactive relationships with customers, internal stakeholders, and suppliers, ensuring the alignment of expectations and delivery capabilities.
• Lead the planning and logistics teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and professional development.
• Optimise resource deployment, including any direct labour and contractors, to achieve efficiency in preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
• Manage purchasing and procurement activities, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timeliness, while maintaining quality standards.
• Oversee the management of delivery hubs and inventory, including warehouse management, stock control via auditing, and replenishment strategies.
• Develop and implement strategies for supply chain efficiency, including transportation/distribution networks, supplier performance management, and procurement process optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards across all planning and logistics activities.
• Participate in the O&M business leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and financial forecasting.

Knowledge & Experience

• In-depth understanding of contracts, service level agreements, and procurement procedures.
• Expertise in planning, scheduling, and logistics within a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS) and their application in O&M activities.
• Proven background in O&M planning and logistics management.
• Experience leading teams and driving development within a continuous improvement culture.
• Solid track record in customer engagement and management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CMMS for maintenance scheduling and reporting.

Work Skills

• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership, decision-making capabilities and Champion for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Communications: Strong stakeholder management skills, capable of engaging effectively with internal and external parties.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, including the capability to manage and roll out large-scale projects like EAMS implementation and to juggle multiple projects concurrently.
• Negotiation and Contract Management: Expertise in negotiating supplier contracts and managing procurement frameworks to secure favourable terms and drive cost efficiencies.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct complex data analysis for workload and capacity forecasting, using data-driven insights for continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management: In-depth understanding of supply chain and logistics management principles, including inventory control, supplier management, and logistics optimisation.
• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to create clear and compelling reports, and to communicate effectively with all organisational levels and external stakeholders.
• Driving License: A valid driving license is crucial for site visits and operational assessments across various locations.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Additional language skills may be beneficial, depending on the geographic scope of operations.

Software Skills

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in using Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS) for planning and executing maintenance activities.
• Essential: High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for advanced data analysis, modelling, and reporting. Proficiency in other Microsoft Office products is crucial for efficient day-to-day operations.
• Advantageous: Experience with Microsoft Power BI or similar data visualisation tools is highly advantageous, providing the ability to transform data into actionable insights through compelling visualisations.

Education and Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant field (Engineering, Logistics, planning, business administration).

Why you’ll want to work for us 

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow; a place where your ideas and opinions matter.

Be you

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.

Be responsible

Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity. 

Be recognized

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.

Be inspired

Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives.

Our Core Values

Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do. 

https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers/