Project
Director – BESS (FlexGen)
Location:
Flexible
Who we are
We’re not just talking about making a difference, we’re
making it happen. We generate dispatchable, renewable power and create stable
energy in an uncertain world. Building on our proud heritage, we have ambition
to become the global leader in sustainable biomass and carbon removals.
You’ll be joining our teams of practical doers, future
thinkers and business champions. We’re enabling a zero carbon, lower cost
energy future for all, and working hard to decarbonise the planet for
generations to come.
About the
role
The
Project
Director – BESS (FlexGen) is accountable for leading the development and
delivery of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects through all stages —
from pre-FEED and FEED to detailed design and handover to operations.
This role is
responsible for developing and implementing traditional and innovative
engineering solutions that ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective project
outcomes. The Project Director will organise and manage all project personnel,
including owners, engineers, contractors, and construction teams, to deliver
against technical quality, schedule, and budget requirements.
They will
oversee project planning, progress tracking, and resource allocation, ensuring
all works are executed in accordance with company standards, governance, and
sustainability goals.
Key
Accountabilities
Provide project management
leadership across new growth and FlexGen projects, guiding the development
activity of Drax Group.
Actively support both existing
and new project development to enable future business growth.
Coordinate with the Project
Engineering Manager to manage project consenting, planning, and strategy,
ensuring all pre- and post-commencement conditions are efficiently
discharged.
Manage relationships with local
authorities, industry partners, and communities to maintain Drax’s
reputation and social licence to operate.
Maintain and regularly
review risk registers, proposing and managing risk mitigation
measures.
Ensure collaboration with Finance
Business Partners and Commercial Leads to provide accurate project
information for financial models and budgets.
Develop and manage project
development and construction budgets in line with corporate
standards.
Oversee project performance
monitoring, ensuring all deliverables are achieved on time, to quality,
and within budget.
Coordinate mobilisation
of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) teams for smooth transition to
business-as-usual operations.
Resolve conflicts between project
functions, packages, and EPC contractors as necessary.
Communicate project progress,
performance, and key risks effectively to the Project Executive and
stakeholders.
Establish budget management and
control processes as part of routine reporting.
About You
You’ll be a
strategic leader with deep technical expertise, capable of driving complex
energy storage projects from concept to completion in a fast-evolving
environment.
Proven experience in creating and
implementing major transformation projects of high strategic
importance.
Demonstrated experience
in development and construction of BESS sites within the UK.
Experience operating in a client
capacity, managing EPC/EPCM contractors and Owners’ Engineers across
complex, high-value engineering programmes.
Desirable: experience working
within a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) alongside a developer.
Outstanding leadership and
technical capability, with the ability to manage multiple sites and
projects simultaneously.
Proactive Safety Leader,
promoting a “Safety First” culture across all areas of
responsibility.
Strong communication and
leadership skills, fostering collaboration and inclusion to achieve
business objectives.
Strategic thinker and capable
problem-solver with excellent decision-making skills.
Skilled in management,
coordination, and communication, able to lead large matrix teams
effectively.
Deep understanding of financial
processes, including FP&A, IRR, NPV, and both OpEx and
CapEx budgeting.
Highly developed interpersonal
and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all
levels.
Experience in
managing high-value, complex engineering and construction
programmes.
Ability to meet challenging
targets and adapt to dynamic working environments.
Strong motivational and conflict
resolution skills; able to inspire teams to deliver high
performance.
Degree-level education in
engineering, construction, or a related technical discipline, with
extensive relevant experience.
Why Join
Us
Join us and
lead projects that genuinely make an impact. As Project Director, you’ll shape
complex, high-value programmes that drive meaningful change for our business.
If you are a
highly skilled, proactive professional who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced
environments and wants to make a difference at a strategic level -
we’d love
to hear from you.