Program Manager – France (BESS & HV)

Program Manager – France (BESS & HV)

Client: Leading Renewable Energy Investor & Asset Manager

Recruitment Partner: Spencer Ogden

Role Type: Independent Contractor / Consultancy Engagement

Contract Duration: 3-Year Contract

Location: Remote / Home-based in France (with regular travel to project sites)

Reporting to: Director, Development & Construction Department

About the Client

Our client is a leading renewable energy investor and asset manager, acquiring, developing, constructing, and operating renewable energy projects across Europe. Their portfolio includes onshore wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). They are committed to delivering projects safely, to a high technical standard, and with disciplined management of programme, cost, and risk.

Role Overview

On behalf of our client, Spencer Ogden is seeking an experienced, France-based Program Manager to join them on an independent contractor basis for a 3-year term. In this senior role, you will lead the pre-construction and construction delivery of high-voltage transmission substations, grid connection infrastructure, and utility-scale BESS projects across France.

Acting as the client's senior project delivery representative on the ground, you will manage projects from acquisition and technical due diligence through to detailed design, procurement, construction, energisation, commissioning, and handover.

Key Responsibilities

 Acquisition, Due Diligence & Pre-Construction

Support the Investment team on technical due diligence for French BESS and grid infrastructure.

Identify material technical, permitting, grid, and cost risks, developing practical mitigation plans.

Scope, procure, and manage French technical advisers, Owners Engineers, and surveyors.

Lead the transition from project acquisition into full construction execution readiness.

BESS, HV & Grid Delivery

Lead the delivery of high-voltage transmission substations, grid connections, and electrical balance-of-plant works.

Provide technical and project management oversight of 225 kV and 400 kV transmission infrastructure.

Manage technical and programme interfaces with RTE (and Enedis where applicable).

Oversee BESS system integration across batteries, PCS/inverters, MV systems, and EMS/PPC/SCADA.

Coordinate grid compliance, test plans, hold points, and commissioning activities.

Procurement & Contract Management

Lead or support tendering and procurement strategies for HV substations, BESS supply, and EPC/BoP packages.

Coordinate technical/commercial evaluations and support contract negotiations.

Manage contractors against contractual milestones, handling variations, claims, and quality obligations.

Project Management & Site Construction

Own the integrated project execution plan, budget, master programme, and risk register.

Ensure Owners Engineers and contractors effectively manage day-to-day on-site delivery.

Provide regular, concise reporting to senior management and investors.

Manage seamless project handover to the Asset Management and Operations teams.

Health, Safety, Quality & Compliance

Drive a zero-harm safety culture and ensure French H&S statutory arrangements are fully embedded.

Oversee QA/QC processes across all civil, electrical, BESS, and HV works.

Ensure full compliance with French legislation, permits, and grid technical standards.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education: Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification; an electrical engineering background is strongly preferred.

Experience: Typically 10+ years delivering utility-scale energy or electrical infrastructure projects.

HV Expertise: Demonstrable experience delivering HV transmission substations and grid connections; direct experience at 225 kV and/or 400 kV is a core selection criterion.

BESS Expertise: Experience with utility-scale BESS delivery (procurement, integration, commissioning) is strongly preferred.

Regional Knowledge: Extensive experience working within the French construction, permitting, and contractor environment.

Grid Interface: Proven track record of managing RTE interfaces and transmission connection delivery.

Language & Setup: Must be based autonomously in France with the ability to travel regularly to French project sites and occasionally to the client's European headquarters.

How to Apply

If you are a highly skilled project delivery professional looking to spearhead flagship renewable energy infrastructure over the next 3 years, please apply directly through Spencer Ogden by submitting your CV and a brief commercial proposal outlining your day rate and availability.

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