Project Director – Pumped Storage Hydropower Projects

vertexsolutions; Manila; On-site; PHP 10,000,000 - 20,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Solutions is seeking a Project Director to lead pumped storage hydropower initiatives in the Philippines. The role oversees end-to-end delivery from late-stage development to COD, managing multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating with regulators and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in hydropower project management, with 5+ years in senior leadership, and proven experience securing NTP and COD for large-scale projects.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Proven ability to manage large, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of pumped storage hydropower projects (2GW+), from late-stage development through to construction, commissioning, and COD.
• Oversee multidisciplinary project teams, including engineering, procurement, construction, and environmental specialists, ensuring milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Direct preparation and execution of project strategies, schedules, and budgets, maintaining rigorous control over delivery and risk.
• Drive permitting, licensing, and compliance processes with government agencies to secure NTP and expedite delivery.
• Foster strong relationships with local communities, government stakeholders, and contractors for effective project execution and social/environmental outcomes.
• Provide regular updates and reporting to senior management on project status, risks, and financial performance.
• Ensure all activities adhere to safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)

Master’s degree in related field

Job description

Project Director – Pumped Storage Hydropower Projects

About the job

About the Client

Our client is a leading infrastructure conglomerate based in the Philippines, recognised for delivering critical and sustainable energy infrastructure that supports the country’s transition to a renewable energy future. The company is at the forefront of the nation’s largest pumped storage hydropower projects, with a portfolio that includes multiple projects of national significance.

Role Overview

The Project Director will be responsible for leading the execution and delivery of pumped storage hydropower projects with a combined capacity exceeding 2GW. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of taking large-scale hydropower projects from late-stage development through to Notice to Proceed (NTP) and successful Commercial Operation Date (COD). This role demands strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and stakeholder environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of pumped storage hydropower projects (2GW+), from late-stage development through to construction, commissioning, and COD.
• Oversee multidisciplinary project teams, including engineering, procurement, construction, and environmental specialists, ensuring project milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Direct the preparation and execution of project strategies, schedules, and budgets, maintaining rigorous control over project delivery and risk management.
• Drive the permitting, licensing, and compliance processes with government agencies, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met to secure NTP and expedite project delivery.
• Foster strong relationships with local communities, government stakeholders, and contractors to ensure effective project execution and positive social and environmental outcomes.
• Provide regular updates and reporting to senior management on project status, risks, and financial performance.
• Ensure all project activities adhere to the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related field; advanced Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in hydropower project management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role delivering large-scale hydropower or pumped storage projects.
• Demonstrated experience taking hydropower projects from late-stage development through to NTP and successful COD, ideally with projects of 500MW capacity or greater.
• Deep understanding of the Philippine regulatory environment for energy infrastructure, including experience securing permits and clearances for energy projects of national significance.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing project teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in English.
• Experience with the Philippine energy sector and local permitting processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex contractor and stakeholder relationships.
• Commitment to sustainability and renewable energy best practices.