Job Specification: Project Quality Manager - UK Solar Projects
Position: Project Quality Manager (PQM)
Sector: Renewable Energy - Utility‑Scale Solar PV
Location: UK-wide (regular travel to Scotland and Midlands)
Contract: Freelance / Contract
Start: 2026
Working Model: Hybrid - combination of remote work and site presence
Project Overview
You will be supporting multiple large‑scale solar PV construction projects across the UK:
Berryhill Solar PV Project
Capacity: 68.8 MWp
Location: 8 miles outside Dundee, Scotland
Timeline:
Access roads start: Mid‑March 2026
PV installation starts: Mid‑April 2026
Grid connection planned: End‑March 2027
Delivered by an EPC contractor.
Tamworth Solar PV Project
Capacity: 44.2 MWp
Location: 22 miles north‑east of Birmingham
Status: Already in construction
COD (Commercial Operation Date): October 2026
Delivered by an EPC contractor.
Future Projects
Additional UK solar projects are in development and may be assigned to the same PQM.
Role Summary
The Project Quality Manager will independently oversee and manage all quality activities across multiple utility‑scale solar PV construction sites. You will ensure contractors comply with contractual, regulatory, and industry quality standards, working closely with EPC contractors, suppliers, engineering teams, and project leadership.
This role requires strong quality management experience within EPC, construction, or energy projects, and the ability to work independently across several active sites.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Oversight & Governance
Monitor, steer, and document quality requirements across all assigned UK solar projects.
Ensure adherence to contractual, regulatory, and industry quality standards by contractors and suppliers.
Maintain a solid understanding of project information, quality checklists, and provided requirements.
Project Quality Management System (PQMS)
Establish, maintain, and oversee the PQMS from late‑stage development through construction and project closure.
Ensure consistent application of quality processes and documentation across all sites.
Documentation & Review
Create and review quality documentation including:
Quality Plans
ITPs (Inspection & Test Plans)
Method Statements
Inspection records and quality evidence
Work with subcontractors to ensure all documentation meets project requirements.
Audits, Inspections & Surveillance
Conduct and oversee audits, site inspections, and supplier surveillance.
Monitor compliance with approved standards, specifications, and existing quality management systems.
Non‑Conformance Management
Identify and document non‑conformances (NCRs).
Drive timely resolution in line with contractual requirements.
Ensure root‑cause analysis is completed and recurrence is prevented.
Stakeholder Coordination
Gather information from Engineering, Procurement, HSE, Construction, and Project Management teams.
Ensure contractors understand and comply with all required standards.
Present consolidated quality insights to the project leadership team.
Reporting
Produce bi‑weekly Quality Risk Reports, detailing quality risks, deviations, and potential impacts on project delivery.
Produce Quality Status Reports (bi‑weekly or at project milestones) for leadership review and sign‑off.
Continuous Improvement
Capture lessons learned and feed them into future RFQs/RFPs.
Promote digital tools, best practices, and standardisation across the project lifecycle.
Support quality improvements across the wider project portfolio.
Candidate Requirements
Essential Experience
Strong background in quality management within EPC, construction, or renewable energy projects.
Experience creating and reviewing Quality Plans, ITPs, NCRs, and method statements.
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and general quality management systems.
Proven experience conducting audits, inspections, and supplier surveillance.
Ability to manage quality independently across multiple construction sites.
Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills.
Desirable Experience
Solar PV, renewable energy, grid, HV, or large‑scale infrastructure experience.
Understanding of civil, mechanical, and electrical installation works.
Experience with EPC contractors and subcontractor management.
Lead auditor or similar certification