Head of Commercial Engineering, EMEA
Job Title: Head of Commercial Engineering EMEA
Department: Commercial Engineering Department - EMEA
Reporting to: Delivery Director EMEA
Location: London, UK or Madrid, Spain
About Lightsource bp
We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.
For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.
Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.
Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.
What you’ll do (the role)
Lightsource bp’s Commercial Engineering Team provides technical support across all areas of the global organisation and for projects being developed across the globe.
Contributing to and supporting all areas of Lightsource bp’s Project Delivery capability, focusing on projects in all phases, early development, pre-construction and construction, across multiple renewable power generation/storage technologies, PV (Primary), BESS and Wind.
Role Summary
This role involves the autonomous management of a diverse and growing team and providing technical support to a growing pipeline of projects in EMEA region and internationally. It requires close collaborative working with the development and construction teams using high level communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills to ensure the success of projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
The position requires both technical and commercial knowledge, as well as strategic planning skills, the ability to form strong working relationships, and develop and manage teams across multiple countries. A strong network of contacts, and knowledge of the contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers is essential to success in this role, as is the necessary expertise and drive to contribute to the rapid growth of our development and construction pipeline.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor multiple / large teams (including recruitment, retention, line management, professional development and pastoral care), across different countries, time zones, etc.
- Management of a team of senior Team Leaders (“regional Heads Of Commercial Engineering”) based in different countries and co-ordination of internal and external input and stakeholders.
- Position CE Team in each country as Single Point of Contact for all technical advice required and bringing in specialist input / support from Engineering Centre of Excellence, Procurement, Construction and Grid, as needed.
- Ensure CE Team follows all projects from the outset and proactively leads technical effort until FC and then until PAC.
- Promote country/regional cross-fertilisation of best practice through CE Team, such that best practice on both technical and development items is fed through across regions and functional teams.
- Promote ongoing development and maintenance of the LCOE modelling tool to professionalise design optimisation.
- Ensure 100% of individual Solar PV projects reaching FNTP and/or FC, or which are earmarked for potential Sale process, have each undergone an optimisation exercise for the intended purpose.
- Overseeing a pipeline of projects in EMEA region (primarily) and globally.
- Accountable for all technical aspects of the development process, (including M&A), financial close, and ensuring engineering compliance to contracted standards post-FC.
- Oversee technical Due Diligences (acquisition and/or financing) and supervise team managing internal and external service providers.
- Oversee the assessment of new technologies (modules, inverters, structures), development of Basic Design, including instructing layouts and SLDs, and EPC Contract Technical Appendices.
- Develop and foster strong working relationships with the local development and construction teams and at global level to support business development and project delivery.
- Maintain a strong network of Technical Advisors (LTA, OE, other) both locally and globally and manage the relationships.
- Forge new relationships and maintain networks of internal and external stakeholders, including Service Providers.
- Lead recruitment effort and optimize team in terms of all: numbers, locations and skills, in line with the 3-year plan.
- Ensure LSbp’s Project Management function is supported as needed across all technical aspects during construction period, Works Completion, PAC and FAC.
- Institutionalise and monitor functional (technical) assurance framework.
Who we’re looking for
Knowledge
- Expert knowledge of PV generating technologies and constituent components (modules, inverters, structures, trackers, etc).
- Knowledgeable and experience in battery storage systems (BESS) and wind.
- Strong experience in the development and delivery of EPC contracts, including Technical Appendices.
- Experienced in the development and delivery of PPAs, Grid Connection Agreements and technical inputs to Financial Models.
- Experienced in simulation software including PVsyst or similar (AutoCAD, ArcGIS or other Solar, Wind or Battery (BESS) modelling software is a plus).
- Good knowledge of the main players in the industry (Technical Advisors, investors, EPCs, TSO/DNOs, OEMs etc).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- Masters in Renewable Energy or related field preferable.
Experience
- At least 15 years of experience in Renewables, with a strong focus on Solar PV.
- Proven track record of working in a similar role, with 5+ years of experience in leadership role, developing and managing teams.
- Experience in undertaking Energy Yield Assessment (EYA) and good knowledge of pertinent factors affecting PV plant performance.
- Experience with large-scale Solar PV in the region, working either on the Developer, EPC Contractor, or Technical Advisor side.
- Experience/expertise in BESS, hydrogen and/or Wind technologies is a plus.
Why you’ll make a great member of the team
Personal qualities
- Excellent technical skills.
- Proactive, autonomous, flexible, and driven.
- Forward thinking, a problem solver and solution provider.
- Proactive and being able to prioritise workload.
Team/Management
- Strong leadership and management capabilities.
- Able to promote a positive working culture within the team.
- Strong organisational and good communication skills both verbal and written.
- Strong experience implementing and maintaining new systems, tools, processes across area of responsibility.
Other
- Fluent English spoken and written, with additional languages being a plus.
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 projects are responsible.
Be recognised
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. These include our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project, or volunteering on our VIBES committee to name a few.
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.