Head of Department - Hydropower Plants & Hydraulic (m/w/d) Lugano

Overview

Job position: Head of Department - Hydropower Plants & Hydraulic Works (m/w/d)

Location: LUGANO (including travelling for projects between Zug- Lugano) | Workload: 100%

Lead. Inspire. Shape the future of sustainable energy.

Our client, a respected and growing Swiss engineering consultancy with 80+ specialists, is seeking an experienced professional to act as Head of Department for Hydropower Plants & Hydraulic Works (m/w/d). This is your chance to take on a leadership role where your expertise will directly impact the energy transition and water infrastructure of tomorrow.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and drive for the Hydropower Plants & Hydraulic Works department.
• Lead, inspire, and develop multidisciplinary teams across planning, design, and site supervision.
• Oversee complex, multidisciplinary hydropower and hydraulic projects from concept through execution and maintenance.
• Engage with regulatory, legal, and financial stakeholders to navigate high-level projects.
• Build and maintain a strong professional network and contribute to business development.
• Travel for project assignments (approximately 40–50 days per year).

Qualifications and Experience

• Engineering degree in Civil Engineering (alternatives: Mechanical or Electrical Engineering).
• 15+ years of proven success designing and leading major hydropower and hydraulic works projects.
• Broad knowledge across civil, hydraulic, and electromechanical engineering.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Solid regulatory, legal, and financial expertise to navigate projects at the highest level.
• Natural leadership with empathy, flexibility, and the ability to motivate and grow teams.
• A strong professional network and business-development mindset.
• Fluency in English (Italian conversational skills are a plus).
• willingness to travel for short/medium assignments (approx. 40-50 days/year).

What you’ll find here

• Influence at the highest level, driving consultancy, design, and site-supervision services for landmark hydropower projects.
• Involvement in both Swiss and international projects with real societal impact.
• A role that spans the full spectrum: from planning, organisation, and contract management to design, execution, and maintenance.
• A culture built on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• The chance to work with multidisciplinary teams of top professionals, in a supportive and innovative environment.

What’s on offer

A senior leadership position with strategic impact and visibility.

Competitive salary and benefits.

The stability of an established company combined with the growth opportunities of a dynamic firm.

The opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy - and leave a lasting legacy.

Are you looking for a new challenge? Do not hesitate and APPLY NOW! #LI-Hybrid

Niveaux d'expérience requis :

• 6-10 years
• 11-20 years

Compétences requises :

• Mechanical engineering