Program Lead Contract Manager

Description

Hitachi Energy (HE) is seeking a Program Lead Contract Manager, to support Grid Integration (PGGI), for an HVDC interconnection Program (set of projects) based in EU. Leading a team of 3 to 4 contract managers, with an analytical, hands-on and autonomous approach, you will contribute to the successful performance of Contract Management in the Program/projects to which you are assigned.

You are a reliable partner when it comes to contracts/subcontracts, contract administration and project execution. You will ensure contract and risk management activities are executed in a timely and accurate manner, protecting Hitachi Energy's interests throughout the project lifecycle. Engagement of both internal and external stakeholders will be critical in this role; the successful candidate will be professional and diligent, a pro-active communicator with the confidence to represent our business interests in all circumstances.

Responsibilities:

• Ensures that the assigned portfolio of projects follows HE’s contract and claim management procedures and instructions.
• Provides guidance and leadership on contract-related matters to cross-functional project team members.
• Supports HE Legal in handling dispute resolution, litigation and arbitration proceedings. Notifies and liaises with HE Legal to report major claims and disputes.
• Develops and implements risk mitigation and opportunity plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure adequate staffing of the assigned tenders/projects and manage the assigned portfolio’s workforce plan capacity/forecast.
• Ensures current tenders and projects teams are adequately supported in contract management activities, continually assessing resource needs and ensuring synergies with project personnel.
• Management of variation and claim profiles across the portfolio, driving and monitoring strategies with appropriate SWOT analysis and other methods to drive Hitachi Energy’s profitability.
• Effective and efficient liaison with other Cluster Lead Contract Managers and Global Head of Contract Management to enable lessons learned and shared knowledge for the benefit of the wider organization.
• Manages the development and training of direct reports and wider functional members to upskill and bolster the skills and careers of our personnel.
• Steering committee representative with senior customer personnel on project boards – ability to engage at a senior level and represent the business accordingly.
• Leads Contract Management representation in PG and BU management reviews for projects on a monthly basis – monitoring issues and strategizing corrective actions where appropriate.
• Strong ability to challenge personnel and the assumed position in projects in the right manner to ensure best practices and results.
• Key contributor to functional improvements and process design.
• Effective, regular and transparent communication with the business, line management, direct reports, and other functions.
• Maintains open and regular communication channels with the GPG Head of Contract and align the way-forward on the key strategic decisions.
• Performs as a team player, by recognizing the importance of the team and the necessity of maintaining healthy business environment.
• Works for the common goal of achieving the GPG visions and mission.
• Promotes teamwork spirit and workgroups and ensure the team is motivated to deliver with high efficiency and productivity.

Note: This role will require frequent travel (20-25%) to meet with project teams, customer and consortium partner, mostly within EU.

Your background:

• In-depth working knowledge/hands-on experience on FIDIC suite of contracts and international standard/other bespoke contracts.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quantity surveying, business administration, economics or law.
• Previous experience leading a team within a matrix organization with a successful track record.
• Experience in EPC projects within the fields of power generation, substations, converter stations, grid integration, transmission or similar industrial plant within a Contract Management and Subcontract Management functions (with emphasis on civil and electrical installations interfaces).
• Experience in processing, managing and administrating varying sizes, types and complexity of contractual agreements during the execution and closing stages of projects lifecycle.
• Previous experience in the power transmission/grid projects is highly desirable.
• Experience in project’s change management, claim management, disputes resolution and contract-related legal issues and the possible effects in the relevant areas of responsibility regarding proposal stage and/or project execution.
• Ability to interface and negotiate with customers and subcontractors regarding all matters related to contracts and projects including those related to the review and process of changes.
• Experience in dispute management and ability to manage complex disputes from the outset to decision.
• Strategic and forward thinker, with the ability to influence team members and key stakeholders both internally and externally.