Field Operations manager III, Substation Execution

Description

Title: Field Operations manager III, Substation Execution

Department: Operation 1
Location: Ankeny
Supervisor: Director of Transmission/Substation Project Management & Construction
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Full time - Permanent

Work Status: Hybrid

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER III, SUBSTATION EXECUTION

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, 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 USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, 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.S., 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.

SUMMARY

As the Field Operations III, Substation Execution, manage and drive the successful execution of high voltage transmission and substation projects. Reporting to the Director of Transmission/Substation Project Management & Construction, you will manage a diverse portfolio of projects with a focus on operational excellence, team collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. This is a highly visible role that will collaborate across engineering, construction, and site leadership teams, directly influencing Qcells’ ability to deliver reliable, high-quality power infrastructure to its clients. This position reports to the Director of Transmission/Substation Project Management & Construction, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position reports to the Ankeny, IA office but will maintain a hybrid schedule of working out of their home office and the Ankeny, IA office. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 25% of the time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Implementation and Excellence:
  • Implement long-term strategies for substation project management aligned with the company’s objectives.
  • Support initiatives to standardize best practices for design, construction, and commissioning processes, ensuring projects meet or exceed client expectations.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to support project and business goals, as needed.
  • Support and manage the full project lifecycle, from pre-construction planning through final commissioning and closeout.
  • Establish project schedules and budgets, monitor progress, and adjust plans as necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Provide input to budget development related to substation deisgn and material procurement for internal estimators.
  • Implement risk management processes to identify and mitigate potential project challenges early.
  • Develop and track KPIs to evaluate team and project performance, using data to inform continuous improvement initiatives.
• Technical Expertise and Problem Solving:
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in high-voltage transmission and substation engineering and construction, providing guidance and creative problem solving to teams as needed.
  • Evaluate engineering designs, material selections, and construction methods to ensure compliance with standards and client requirements.
  • Investigate and resolve technical challenges, drawing on a deep understanding of electrical systems, protection schemes, and grid reliability.
• Team Culture:
  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across all projects.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
  • Communicate effectively with department leadership, project leadership, and site leadership, providing updates on project status, risks, and opportunities.

• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCES

• Exceptional organizational and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to balance technical and commercial priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
• Proficiency in project management tools and systems, such as Primavera P6 or

Procore.

• In-depth understanding of utility construction safety standards and regulatory requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management or related discipline
• 5 years of experience in the power utility sector, with a focus on high voltage

transmission and substation projects.

• Proven track record of managing large-scale projects from inception to completion,

including budget and schedule oversight.

• Experience in working with teams and large capital projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degrees in Engineering, Project Management, or Business Administration are a plus.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is highly preferred.

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.