Project Director - FlexGen

Drax Group; Middlesbrough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy provider in Middlesbrough is seeking a Project Director to lead Battery Energy Storage System projects from conception to completion. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing complex engineering projects, a degree in engineering, and exceptional leadership skills. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector, ensuring safe and efficient project outcomes while maintaining compliance with corporate standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading complex energy storage projects.
• Experience in managing EPC/EPCM contractors on high-value programmes.
• Strong motivational and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of Battery Energy Storage System projects.
• Manage project personnel including engineers and contractors.
• Develop and manage project budgets in line with corporate standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Technical expertise

Communication skills

Risk management

Financial processes

Education

Degree-level education in engineering or related discipline

Job description

Flexible Who we are

We’re not just talking about making a difference, we’re making it happen. We generate dispatchable, renewable power and create stable energy in an uncertain world. Building on our proud heritage, we have ambition to become the global leader in sustainable biomass and carbon removals. You’ll be joining our teams of practical doers, future thinkers and business champions. We’re enabling a zero carbon, lower cost energy future for all, and working hard to decarbonise the planet for generations to come.

About the role

The Project Director – BESS (FlexGen) is accountable for leading the development and delivery of Battery Energy Storage System projects through all stages – from pre‑FEED and FEED to detailed design and handover to operations. This role is responsible for developing and implementing traditional and innovative engineering solutions that ensure safe, efficient, and cost‑effective project outcomes. The Project Director will organise and manage all project personnel, including owners, engineers, contractors, and construction teams, to deliver against technical quality, schedule, and budget requirements. They will oversee project planning, progress tracking, and resource allocation, ensuring all works are executed in accordance with company standards, governance, and sustainability goals.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide project management leadership across new growth and FlexGen projects, guiding the development activity of Drax Group.
• Actively support both existing and new project development to enable future business growth.
• Coordinate with the Project Engineering Manager to manage project consenting, planning, and strategy, ensuring all pre‑ and post‑commencement conditions are efficiently discharged.
• Manage relationships with local authorities, industry partners, and communities to maintain Drax's reputation and social licence to operate.
• Maintain and regularly review risk registers, proposing and managing risk mitigation measures.
• Ensure collaboration with Finance Business Partners and Commercial Leads to provide accurate project information for financial models and budgets.
• Develop and manage project development and construction budgets in line with corporate standards.
• Oversee project performance monitoring, ensuring all deliverables are achieved on time, to quality, and within budget.
• Coordinate mobilisation of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) teams for smooth transition to business‑as‑usual operations.
• Resolve conflicts between project functions, packages, and EPC contractors as necessary.
• Communicate project progress, performance and key risks effectively to the Project Executive and stakeholders.
• Establish budget management and control processes as part of routine reporting.

About You

You’ll be a strategic leader with deep technical expertise, capable of driving complex energy storage projects from concept to completion in a fast‑evolving environment. Proven experience in creating and implementing major transformation projects of high strategic importance, and demonstrated experience in development and construction of BESS sites within the UK. Experience operating in a client capacity, managing EPC/EPCM contractors and Owners’ Engineers across complex, high-value engineering programmes.

Desirable: experience working within a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) alongside a developer. Outstanding leadership and technical capability, with the ability to manage multiple sites and projects simultaneously. Proactive Safety Leader, promoting a “Safety First” culture across all areas of responsibility. Strong communication and leadership skills, fostering collaboration and inclusion to achieve business objectives. Strategic thinker and capable problem‑solver with excellent decision‑making skills. Skilled in management, coordination, and communication, able to lead large matrix teams effectively.

Deep understanding of financial processes, including FP&A, IRR, NPV, and both OpEx and CapEx budgeting. Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. Experience in managing high‑value, complex engineering and construction programmes. Ability to meet challenging targets and adapt to dynamic working environments. Strong motivational and conflict resolution skills; able to inspire teams to deliver high performance.

Degree‑level education in engineering, construction, or a related technical discipline, with extensive relevant experience.

Why Join Us

Join us and lead projects that genuinely make an impact. As Project Director you’ll shape complex, high‑value programmes that drive meaningful change for our business. If you are a highly skilled, proactive professional who thrives in dynamic, fast‑paced environments and wants to make a difference at a strategic level – we’d love to hear from you.