Senior Director of Commercial Management - Qcells

Title:Senior Director of Commercial Management

Department:Operation 3
Location:Teaneck, NJ
Supervisor:Head of Operation 3, EVP (MD of Qcells Enable)
FLSA Status: Salaried
Position Status:Permanent, Full-Time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Remote/Hybrid/In-Office

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (“HQC US”) develops, invests, and delivers solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects through Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) services in North America, and Qcells Enable(“Enable”) is an EPC arm of HQC US for US Eastern Market under Operation 3 of HQC US.

The company brings a decade of global leadership in solar PV to deliver utility-scale power generation plants customized for local and regional energy markets. HQC US offers the full spectrum of PV solutions – from the core technology of cells and modules to large-scale project development and investment. With proven capabilities across the solar and battery storage value chain, HQC US minimizes uncertainty and risk, and helps customers achieve a higher return on their investment in renewable energy.

SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Commercial Management will guide and mentor a dedicated team of Commercial Managers, Project Accountants and Schedulers, focusing on the financial and contractual aspects of Self-Perform Solar Projects. This includes leading robust negotiations, managing risk assessments, handling change orders, and ensuring strict adherence to contractual obligations and company policies. The role requires constant evaluation of both internal resources and subcontractor contributions to the projects' success, addressing any contractual issues rapidly to maintain project momentum. Expertise in construction scheduling is essential, as this leader will set the standards and policies for project construction scheduling, including work breakdown structures (WBS) and float management. In terms of compliance and reporting, the Senior Director of Commercial ensures all projects meet the business's reporting standards and project management methodologies. This includes developing tracking standards to measure compliance for internal reporting and contractual requirements, especially those tied to federal or state programs and incentives. This position entails managing commercial functions that support project tooling, fleet, and equipment management, including contract negotiation and invoicing management. Furthermore, this position will have regular collaboration with the internal Project Controls team to meet all reporting demands for the executive team, finance team, and global stakeholders.

To be successful in this role, you should have extensive experience in the solar industry, with a proven track record of managing large-scale and complex projects. You should also have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as a passion for renewable energy and innovation. This position reports to the Executive Vice President of Operation 3of HQC US(Managing Director of Enable), or another management personnel that the president of the Company may designate. This position is expected to travel up to 20%.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Adapt and replicate best industry practices to contribute to creating a highly competitive EPC organization.
• Develop and implement operational processes, policies, and tools to support the execution of projects.
• Be accountable for developing and successfully executing cost-reduction programs through the optimization of people, processes, technologies, and execution strategies.
• Project Commercial Management:
  • Lead a team of Commercial Managers and Project Accountants, overseeing their work on Self-Perform Solar Projects
  • Lead negotiations for subcontracts, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with company standards.
  • Oversee and conduct comprehensive assessments to identify project risks and opportunities, devising strategies to mitigate risks while capitalizing on opportunities.
  • Oversee and manage change orders, ensuring they are accurately documented, assessed for impact, and implemented effectively for upstream and downstream commitments.
  • Develop and implement strategies to ensure all projects adhere to contractual obligations and company policies.
  • Regularly evaluate internal resource and subcontractor performance to guarantee adherence to project execution strategies.
  • Address and resolve any upstream or downstream contractual disputes or issues promptly to minimize the impact on project timelines and budgets.
  • Prepare and present detailed monthly executive reports, including variance analysis, risk logs, project summary reports, forecasts, and change logs.
  • Conduct weekly and monthly reviews of deliverables for project controls, providing constructive feedback and development plans to enhance team performance and capabilities.
• Construction Scheduling:
  • Oversee the development of construction scheduling standards for self-perform projects, including a standard WBS, nomenclature, float management policy, weather impact, and other guidance for a standardized scheduling approach.
  • Manage a team of construction schedulers focused on project mobilization, execution, and closing phases.
  • Perform in-depth analysis of project schedules to identify potential delays or constraints and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Recommend adjustments to project schedules to ensure alignment with overall project goals and timely completion.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with overall project objectives and operational requirements.
• Compliance and Reporting:
  • Ensure all projects are compliant with the business’ set standards in reporting and project management means and methods.
  • Develop and implement tracking standards, particularly with contractual requirements related to federal or state incentive programs.
  • Work closely with both internal Project Control to ensure all reporting needs are met.
  • Manage other commercial functions supporting project tooling, fleet, and equipment needs, including contract negotiation, commitment generation, and dispute and invoicing management.
  • Participating in the hiring committee for personnel to support business functions and on-site construction management and execution.
  • Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Senior Management.
  • Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 

• Bachelor's and MBA in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Over 10 years of leadership experience in financial analysis and contract management.
• At least 5 years of experience in renewable energy construction, or related fields, with a focus on commercial operations and project management.
• Demonstrated success in developing strategic commercial operations and managing large-scale projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and financial analysis tools.
• Knowledge of the solar market, technologies, regulations, and standards
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, and other relevant tools
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of all phases of the solar PV power plant construction execution.
• Have insight to highlight key risk factors and advise EPC cost estimates.
• Solid experience with current solar EPC tools and processes and remain current on best practices and trends in the industry.
• Demonstrated track record of initiating programs that lead to significant cost reduction and/or performance improvement.
• Capability to interact with leadership cross-culturally, both within and outside the organization
• Have both a long-term strategic perspective and near-term action orientation, and a strong desire to continuously improve and push limits.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong team player with a high degree of professionalism in which one conducts self at all times.
• Willingness to travel as required.

EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 40% as needed

EXAMPLE OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.