Project Manager - BESS

Spencer Ogden; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spencer Ogden is seeking a proactive Project Manager to lead large-scale battery energy storage system projects from award to commissioning and handover.

You will drive delivery safely, on time, on budget, and to high technical standards while collaborating with contractors, grid operators, planning authorities, and landowners across the UK.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in project delivery (energy storage, solar, or grid-scale infrastructure).
• Strong understanding of construction and commissioning phases of battery projects.
• Experience working with EPCs, ICPs, and DNOs on grid-connected projects.
• Knowledge of contracts (FIDIC or equivalent) and variation processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage tendering and contract scopes with EPCs, ICPs, and other partners.
• Oversee construction delivery, including planning conditions and grid compliance (G99, ION, FON).
• Monitor budgets, schedules, risks, and contractor performance.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings and project reporting.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, CDM, and planning requirements.
• Manage commissioning, handover, and close-out of projects.
• Support dispute resolution and provide technical/commercial input on change orders.

Skills

Project delivery

Stakeholder management

Construction knowledge

Contracting knowledge

Project tracking tools

Tools

Gantt charts

Financial tracking

Reporting systems

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and hands-on Project Manager to lead the delivery of large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

From contract award through to commissioning and handover, you will be at the centre of ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, on budget, and to the highest technical standards.

This role suits someone with strong engineering knowledge, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a proven track record in UK grid or energy infrastructure projects.

You will work closely with contractors, grid operators, planning authorities, and landowners - making this a highly visible and impactful position.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage tendering and contract scopes with EPCs, ICPs, and other partners
• Oversee construction delivery, including planning conditions and grid compliance (G99, ION, FON)
• Monitor budgets, schedules, risks, and contractor performance
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings and project reporting
• Ensure compliance with HSE, CDM, and planning requirements
• Manage commissioning, handover, and close-out of projects
• Support dispute resolution and provide technical/commercial input on change orders

About You

• 5+ years’ experience in project delivery (energy storage, solar, or grid-scale infrastructure)
• Strong understanding of construction and commissioning phases of battery projects
• Experience working with EPCs, ICPs, and DNOs on grid-connected projects
• Knowledge of contracts (FIDIC or equivalent) and variation processes
• Comfortable with project tools such as Gantt charts, financial tracking, and reporting systems
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, solutions-driven mindset
• Willingness to travel across the UK for site and stakeholder visits