Job Summary
The Permitting Manager is responsible for leading the permitting and regulatory approval process for EV charging infrastructure projects. This role oversees a team of permitting specialists and coordinators while ensuring timely acquisition of all permits, licenses, and clearances from Local Government Units (LGUs), Department of Energy (DOE), Distribution Utilities (DUs), and other regulatory agencies. The position plays a critical role in supporting the expansion of EV charging networks by ensuring compliance with local regulations, utility requirements, and government policies.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory & Permitting Management
- Lead the end-to-end permitting process for EV charging station projects, from site acquisition through construction and energization.
- Secure and manage permits, clearances, and approvals from:
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Distribution Utilities (Meralco, VECO, Davao Light, and other utility providers)
- Environmental and zoning authorities
- Landowners and property management groups
- Ensure compliance with national and local regulations, electrical codes, building codes, and EV industry requirements.
- Monitor regulatory updates and proactively assess their impact on project deployment timelines.
- Manage permit risk assessments and develop mitigation plans to minimize project delays.
Utility and Government Relations
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government agencies, utility companies, and key stakeholders.
- Act as the primary liaison with DOE, LGUs, and Distribution Utilities regarding project approvals, compliance requirements, and utility energization.
- Coordinate utility service applications, load assessments, meter installations, and power connection requirements.
- Facilitate resolution of permitting and utility-related issues impacting project schedules.
Project Coordination
- Collaborate closely with Site Acquisition, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Project Management teams.
- Review site plans, engineering drawings, and technical documentation to ensure permitting readiness.
- Support project planning by identifying permitting requirements, timelines, dependencies, and risks.
- Provide permitting status updates, escalations, and recommendations to management.
People Management & Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Permitting Specialists, Coordinators, and Regulatory Officers.
- Set clear performance goals, KPIs, and development plans for team members.
- Conduct performance reviews and provide regular feedback and mentoring.
- Manage team workload and resource allocation to support project delivery targets.
- Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
- Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and succession planning initiatives.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for permitting activities.
Process Improvement & Reporting
- Establish and optimize permitting processes to improve efficiency and reduce approval turnaround times.
- Maintain permitting trackers, dashboards, and regulatory databases.
- Generate regular reports on permitting performance, project status, approval timelines, and compliance metrics.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvement initiatives to support rapid deployment growth.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in permitting, regulatory affairs, infrastructure development, utilities, telecommunications, renewable energy, or EV charging projects.
- Minimum 7 years of people management experience leading permitting or regulatory teams.
- Demonstrated experience processing and securing approvals from:
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Distribution Utilities (DUs)
- Experience working with utility interconnection, power applications, and energization processes.
- Experience managing multiple infrastructure projects simultaneously.