Sr. Project Director

Canadian Solar SSES (Canada) Inc.; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Solar SSES (Canada) Inc. is looking for a Senior Project Director to lead the regional project implementation team for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects. This role involves critical decision making on project scope, budgets, and timelines while liaising with clients and subcontractors.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of construction project management experience, strong negotiation skills, and an engineering or business background. A valid driver's license is required, along with the ability to travel frequently to client sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in managing construction projects.
• 5 years of experience managing direct reports.
• Experience with utility‑scale renewable construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the regional project implementation team.
• Review, approve, and provide decision making on project schedules and budgets.
• Meet with stakeholders to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication skills

Risk management

Education

Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or Civil) or Business degree or diploma

Job description

Position Title

Senior Project Director

Department

Project Implementation, CS e-Storage

Reports To

General Manager of Project Implementation and Services

Position Summary

The Senior Project Director will oversee a regional project implementation team, including Project Directors, Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and Construction Managers for BESS projects. The role requires leadership and decision‑making on project scope, schedules, budgets, changes/variations, and dispute resolution, while liaising with internal departments, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors. Experience in department management, project management, contract review, and EPC construction, along with demonstrated influence, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the regional project implementation team.
• Assist in creating Annual Operating Plans and adhere to these plans throughout the calendar year.
• Review, approve, and provide decision making on project schedules, budgets, scope changes/variations, quality, and risks.
• Determine and assign resources to cross‑functional complex projects in collaboration with internal departments.
• Review and provide input on contract documentation including head agreements and schedules for EPC and battery supply contracts, EPC/BOP subcontracts, and equipment supply agreements.
• Meet with senior level stakeholders (clients, suppliers, internal) to negotiate and resolve conflicts.
• Assist in estimation of project costs and development of project schedules/timelines.
• Oversee and determine the frequency and content of status reports from the project team, analyze results, and troubleshoot problem areas.
• Coach, mentor, motivate, and supervise project team members and establish key performance indicators to monitor performance.
• Organize project lesson‑learn reviews to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements.
• Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the CS e‑Storage Code of Business Conduct.
• Adhere to and enforce all health and safety rules and company policies.
• Complete other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or Civil) or Business degree or diploma.
• Minimum 10 years experience in managing construction projects and 5 years managing direct reports.
• Experience with utility‑scale renewable construction projects, preferably in Battery Energy Storage Systems.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills (oral, written, visual).
• Strong negotiation, facilitation, risk management, and consensus building skills.
• Knowledge of general and national codes, medium voltage power systems, and photovoltaic or Energy Storage system applications.
• Proven ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects, and execute in a fast‑paced dynamic environment with a strong ownership mentality.
• Expert knowledge of creating business requirements, work plans, project schedules and associated artifacts.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to function successfully both independently and within a team.
• Demonstrated professional appearance and conduct.
• Ability to work flexible hours (evenings, weekends) as required.
• Travel required to client and supplier facilities and sites under construction up to 50% of time during peak periods.