Project Director - Pumped Storage Projects

Avaada Group; Sonbhadra; On-site; INR 25,000,000 - 50,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Avaada Group seeks a seasoned Project Leader to drive end-to-end PSP projects (>1000MW), coordinating with government bodies, consultants, and EPCs. You will shape execution plans, manage risks and budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple regions.

The role requires extensive hydropower expertise, EPC/EPCM familiarity, and a record of delivering complex projects from feasibility to commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (PhD/Doctorate asset).
• 25+ years of experience in hydropower infrastructure, with at least 15 years in PSP-specific projects.
• Experience managing large-capex hydropower projects (> $200M) from Feasibility to Commissioning.
• International project experience in Asia, Africa, South America, or Europe is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with EPC/EPCM, PPP, BOOT delivery models.
• In-depth knowledge of pumped storage plant operation, hydraulic design, tunneling, surge shaft/dam construction, and E&M systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end execution of PSP projects (1000MW+), ensuring delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Serve as the principal point of contact for government agencies, international consultants, EPC contractors, investors, and community stakeholders.
• Lead development of project execution plans, including technical strategies, risk mitigation, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Build, manage, and mentor multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring a high-performance culture.
• Negotiate and administer EPC, O&M, and related contracts, ensuring milestones are met.
• Ensure full compliance with environmental, safety, and governmental regulations, including water use permits and sustainability goals.
• Manage multi-billion-dollar budgets with focus on cost optimization and efficient resource deployment.
• Supervise design, engineering, geotechnical, tunneling, electro-mechanical, civil works, and hydraulic model studies.
• Lead risk identification and mitigation, implementing quality assurance/control to international standards (FIDIC, IEC, ISO).
• Oversee final testing, commissioning, and handover to operations teams.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Technical & Commercial Acumen

FIDIC/NEC Contractual Expertise

Risk Management

Regulatory Navigation

Team Building

Cross-Cultural Communication

Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

Sustainability & ESG Integration

English Fluency

Education

Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering (Bachelor's/Master's)

Job description

Role & responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Oversee end-to-end execution of PSP projects (1000MW+), ensuring delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as the principal point of contact for government agencies, international consultants, EPC contractors, investors, and community stakeholders.
• Planning & Strategy: Lead the development of project execution plans, including technical strategies, risk mitigation, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Team Management: Build, manage, and mentor multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring a high-performance culture.
• Contract Management: Negotiate and administer EPC, O&M, and other related contracts. Ensure contractual obligations and milestones are met.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with environmental, safety, and governmental regulations, including water use permits, resettlement planning, and sustainability goals.
• Budget & Cost Control: Manage multi-billion-dollar budgets with focus on cost optimization and efficient resource deployment.
• Technical Oversight: Supervise design, engineering, geotechnical, tunneling, electro-mechanical, civil works, and hydraulic model studies.
• Risk & Quality Management: Lead risk identification and mitigation efforts. Implement quality assurance/control systems aligned with international standards (e.g., FIDIC, IEC, ISO).
• Commissioning & Handover: Oversee final testing, commissioning, and successful handover to operations teams.

Preferred candidate profile

• Bachelor's/Masters degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field. (PhD/Doctorate is an asset)
• 25+ years of experience in hydropower infrastructure, with at least 15 years in PSP-specific projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-capex hydropower projects (>$200M) from Feasibility to Commissioning.
• Proven track record of international project experience in Asia, Africa, South America, or Europe is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with international project delivery models EPC/EPCM, PPP, BOOT.
• In-depth knowledge of pumped storage plant operation, hydraulic design, tunneling, surge shaft/dam construction, and E&M systems.

Key Skills:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Technical & Commercial Acumen
• FIDIC/NEC Contractual Expertise
• Risk Management & Regulatory Navigation
• Team Building & Cross-Cultural Communication
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
• Sustainability and ESG Integration
• Fluent in English (additional languages an asset)

Preferred Certifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) / Professional Engineer(PE)
• ISO 9001/14001/OHSAS 18001 knowledge