Substation Project Manager - Data Centre

V7 Recruitment; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 111,000 - 185,000; Part time

Job summary

V7 Recruitment is actively seeking a hands-on Substation Project Manager to lead a major HV/MV substation package for a 150MW hyperscale data centre in Finland. The role involves direct on-site delivery, coordinating design, procurement, construction, testing and energisation within a PMC/main contractor environment.

The successful candidate will manage client, engineering teams and subcontractors, driving safety, quality and schedule adherence in a fast-paced, high-demand setting.

Qualifications

• Proven PM experience delivering substations or HV/MV infra.
• Experience managing construction, testing, commissioning and energisation.
• Strong ability to coordinate multiple interfaces and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for delivering the substation package.
• Lead design through construction, testing and energisation.
• Coordinate between client, PMC, designers, main contractors and vendors.
• Manage day-to-day progress, ensuring schedule, quality and safety compliance.
• Review designs, drawings and method statements for buildability and compliance.
• Coordinate interfaces with broader data centre electrical infra.
• Direct specialist contractors and equipment vendors on site.
• Oversee HV/MV equipment installation and testing activities.
• Resolve technical issues with engineering teams and ensure coordination.
• Monitor long-lead equipment procurement and deliveries.
• Lead regular progress meetings with stakeholders and contractors.
• Ensure works comply with drawings, ITPs, RAMS and project requirements.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

On-site coordination

Communication

QA/QC

Problem solving

Construction coordination

HV/MV knowledge

Vendor management

Interface coordination

Job description

Substation Project Manager – Data Centre Construction

Location: Finland

Project: 150MW Hyperscale Data Centre

Contract: 18 Months Initially

Start: ASAP / Immediate

Type: Contract / Freelance

The Opportunity

We are currently supporting a major hyperscale data centre development in Finland and are looking for an experienced Substation Project Manager to join the project delivery team.

The project is at the early stages of construction, providing an excellent opportunity for an experienced Substation Project Manager to take ownership of the delivery of a major substation package from the outset.

The successful candidate will work within a hands-on PMC / main contractor environment, representing the interests of the end client and taking responsibility for coordinating the substation works across design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning.

This is a site-focused role suited to someone who is comfortable being directly involved in the day-to-day delivery of complex electrical infrastructure rather than operating purely at a programme or reporting level.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the substation package.
• Lead and coordinate substation works from design development through construction, testing, commissioning and energisation.
• Act as the primary point of coordination between the client, PMC, designers, main contractors, specialist subcontractors and equipment vendors.
• Manage the day-to-day progress of the substation works, ensuring programme, quality, safety and technical requirements are achieved.
• Review and challenge design information, drawings, specifications, technical submissions and method statements.
• Coordinate interfaces between the substation and wider data centre electrical infrastructure.
• Manage specialist electrical contractors and subcontractors delivering the substation package.
• Coordinate the installation of HV/MV equipment including transformers, switchgear, protection systems, busbars, cabling and associated systems.
• Work closely with engineering teams to resolve technical issues and ensure designs are fully coordinated and buildable.
• Monitor procurement and manufacturing schedules for long-lead electrical equipment.
• Coordinate equipment deliveries, logistics, installation and site readiness.
• Manage inspections, testing and commissioning activities through to final energisation.
• Ensure all works are delivered in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, ITPs, RAMS and project requirements.
• Drive quality assurance and ensure that inspection and testing requirements are being met.
• Identify and resolve construction issues, technical queries and interface challenges.
• Lead regular progress meetings with contractors, vendors and project stakeholders.
• Monitor programme against key milestones and proactively identify potential delays.
• Work closely with the commissioning team to ensure a smooth transition from construction into testing and energisation.
• Maintain accurate progress reporting, documentation and project records.
• Ensure all works are delivered in accordance with Finnish legislation, project standards and client requirements.
• Support the wider project team with electrical interfaces and technical coordination where required.

Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Substation Project Manager / Electrical Project Manager / HV Project Manager.
• Strong background delivering substations or major HV/MV electrical infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing projects through construction, testing, commissioning and energisation.
• Previous experience working on large-scale infrastructure, industrial, energy or data centre projects.
• Strong understanding of HV/MV systems, substation construction and electrical distribution infrastructure.
• Experience managing specialist electrical contractors, subcontractors and equipment vendors.
• Demonstrable experience coordinating multiple project interfaces and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of electrical construction methodology, QA/QC and commissioning processes.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, specifications and technical documentation.
• Strong programme management and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly demanding project environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to operate independently and take ownership of a major project package.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience delivering hyperscale data centre substations.
• Experience working for a PMC, main contractor or client-side organisation.
• Experience with 110kV / 132kV / 220kV or similar HV infrastructure.
• Experience with utility connections and grid infrastructure.
• Previous experience working in Finland or the wider Nordic market.
• Experience managing international contractors and vendors.
• Knowledge of Finnish electrical standards and HSE requirements.
• Previous experience taking a substation through final commissioning and energisation.

Personal Profile

We are looking for a hands-on Project Manager who is comfortable taking ownership and getting involved in the detail.

You will need to be confident challenging contractors, coordinating technical teams, resolving issues on site and driving the project forward. This is not a role for someone who is purely focused on reporting or programme management.

The ideal candidate will be commercially and technically aware, highly organised and able to operate effectively between the client, engineering teams, contractors and site delivery teams.

Contract & Package

• 18-month initial contract
• Long-term opportunity on a major 150MW hyperscale data centre project
• Competitive contract/day rate
• Finland-based project
• Opportunity to work directly within a major client/PMC delivery environment
• Potential for further project opportunities following successful delivery