Operations & Shipping Coo
Chief Operating Officer
Permanent, Full-Time
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - EPC
Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Houston, TX, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Qcells USAs complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of EPC will play a vital role within the Hanwha Q CELLS USA organization to enable our vision of becoming the leading solar solution provider in the Americas. The COO of EPC will also build and mentor a diverse engineering and construction team, as well as oversee a broad network of suppliers and partners. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and may report to another management person designated by the CEO. The position is based in the Houston, TX office with a hybrid schedule. Working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am5:00pm or 9:00am6:00pm local time, and the role is expected to travel up to 50% of the time.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Direct and manage all operations for the successful execution of projects, including developing and implementing operational policies and procedures.
Develop and implement a standard operating model, processes and procedures across all operations.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality and safety standards.
Maintain strong relationships with clients and ensure their needs are met throughout the project lifecycle.
Manage and oversee the Procurement, Engineering, and Construction teams and processes, while working closely with counterparts in other geographical regions to develop synergies and standardize components.
Provide engineering and construction expertise to gauge project potential and highlight key risk areas.
Manage day-to-day operations with an action-oriented approach, providing executive-level mentorship and leadership to EPC employees.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Leads the operations of the organization (engineering, construction, quality, supply chain, and safety).
Develops and deploys strategies to train the leadership of the operations organization on best practices that improve quality, schedule, cost, and safety.
Partners effectively with other Officers and Senior Leadership to drive long-term strategy and short-term changes.
Ensure construction and engineering requirements, policies, and procedures meet the highest standards according to company, industry, and contractual requirements.
Develops, implements, and leads change management to control project schedule and cost through efficient use of resources.
Maintain construction equipment utilization and plan for tool and supply control.
Project Execution
Maintain excellent customer relationships while achieving project milestones (cost, safety, schedule).
Document and communicate change orders to the customer; manage change orders and accounts receivable.
Ensure contract requirements are understood and executed by the project team.
Provide on-site support as needed to supervise self-performed and subcontracted work.
Lead change management to control schedule and cost with construction resources.
Collaborate with Safety to lead site safety procedures and culture.
Promote safety as a core aspect of all work performed and ensure compliance with safety policies.
Quality
Ensure construction management builds with quality and reduces rework and NCRs through effective supervision.
Enforce the highest quality standards and hold teams accountable for quality.
Bachelors Degree in a related field
~Financial and accounting knowledge
~ Legal knowledge to review upstream EPCA, Subcontract, PO and TO
~ Cost management, scheduling, and quality control
~ Extensive track record of designing and building large-scale solar power plants, preferably in the Americas
~ Thorough understanding of all phases of solar PV power plant development (engineering, procurement, construction, project management)
~ Experience with project developers and understanding of the RFP process
~ Ability to identify key risk factors and provide EPC cost estimates
~ Proven ability to initiate programs that reduce costs or improve performance
~ Ability to manage and lead large technical organizations and multiple suppliers/contractors
~ Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
Sight: frequent use of vision for computer work and documents
Travel: up to 50% as needed
Examples of Mobility Barriers / Access to Job Site
~ Regular professional, office setting; potential construction site exposure
Climatic/Environment Conditions at Job Site
Predominantly outdoor climate; Potential exposure to chemicals; work around hazardous equipment
Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classifications protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
Hanwha Qcells USA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.