Project Procurement Manager

About us

We are Cero Generation, a leading European solar energy developer.

Our single-minded vision is to ensure this, and every generation has access to clean, reliable, cost-effective renewable energy.

Cero Generation is a leading IPP, specialised in developing, constructing and operating solar energy and battery storage projects, accelerating the delivery of a net-zero future across eight Europe countries.

We have 25GW solar storage portfolio with further generation capability added each year.

We are a Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) portfolio company, operating on a stand-alone basis.

About the role

This is a great opportunity to join Cero Generation’s Procurement and Project Delivery (PPD) Team as a Project Procurement Manager to help support the transition to a low carbon, sustainable global economy. The PPD team is responsible for the commercialisation of ‘Ready to Build’ projects including bringing projects to Financial Close and into construction.

Cero is looking to make a key addition to the PPD Team and is seeking to appoint a Project Procurement Manager with responsibility for the procurement processes on all equipment supply and construction contracts across Cero’s markets. The role will be based in Cero’s head office in London or Madrid office with travel requirements to all Cero’s markets as required.

Main responsibilities

• Work within a project environment with various Cero teams to commercialise solar and storage projects by leading on the procurement workstreams for the construction and equipment supply contracts.
• Lead on defining project contracting strategies and framework approaches
• Work with market consultants as well as equipment suppliers to provide intelligence on solar and energy storage markets and supply chains
• Analyse key market price inputs including commodities, raw materials and logistics and analyse for impacts on downstream components and provide regular updates to senior management on trends and considerations affecting Cero’s pipeline of projects
• Drive continuous improvement through the evaluation of supply chain / procurement mechanisms through the full life cycle of utility-scale renewable energy projects to ensure that the contracting structure is optimal for project success.
• Implementation of robust procurement processes to ensure effective risk management is achieved.
• Provision of procurement support as required during due diligence, auction, bid, financial close and sell-down processes.
• Interaction with the relevant in-house teams – Corporate Development, Project Development, Engineering/Construction, Finance and Legal
• Assist the Project Manager with cost and schedule estimating, budget preparation, reporting and control.
• Tendering and Contract Negotiation:
  • Development and implementation of a procurement strategy for each project in the delivery phase.
  • Oversee the RFP (Request for Proposal) / RFI (Request for information) for EPC, modules and grid works in accordance with the delivery schedule for the projects.
  • Evaluation of contractor proposals and preparation of recommendation memos.
  • Coordinate and support commercial / legal / technical negotiations with contractors / suppliers delivering bankable contracts typically seen in a project finance environment.
  • Development of procurement template documents to ensure consistency and streamlining for each new tender process.
• Other:
  • Continual assessment and monitoring of Cero’s supplier relationships
  • Develop and maintain a strategic relationship with contractors and suppliers to accelerate Cero’s delivery program.
  • Work with the Executive Director of PPD to establish C-level relationship with key suppliers and contractors.
  • Monitor and assess market information from renewables industry relationships with key stakeholders and equipment suppliers.
  • Maintain an ongoing and up-to-date database of cost inputs for each market where Cero is operating
  • Continual optimisation of Cero’s procurement process to ensure that is maximising value for the business and aligned with later investment trends.

What will you need to succeed in the role?

Essential Skills

• Experience in procurement of Material and EPC services in the energy industry.
• BSc in Engineering or Supply Chain Management, an MSc is an advantage.
• A detailed understanding of the tender process and supplier evaluation for construction and equipment supply contracts.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills alongside some technical knowledge.
• Direct experience and expertise leading on the negotiation of construction and equipment supply contracts in the context of a project finance transaction including the instruction of sponsor counsel.
• A working knowledge of FIDIC Silver Book, NEC and equipment supply agreements.
• Direct experience in leading and closing contract negotiations to a defined delivery schedule.
• Experienced in maintaining interaction with industry contractors, suppliers, and advisors in the utility-scale renewables projects.
• Skilled in renewables procurement, negotiation, RFP/bids, and contract analysis.
• Fluent in English – spoken and written. Additional languages such as Spanish or Italian will be looked upon favourably

Working with Cero Generation

Our shared culture is all about doing the right thing for our company, our people and the world around us.

We’re passionate about renewable energy and the vital role it can play in safeguarding the future of our planet. That’s why we’re all committed to collaborating to achieve excellence in our field to deliver better outcomes for all.

We’re led by a simple promise to all our people: you’ll get back what you put in.

We’ll empower you to deliver on our commitments and reward you for achieving the high standards that we set.

Diversity, inclusion & privacy

Cero Generation understands the importance of diversity and inclusion. We value the innovation and creativity that diversity of thought brings. If you are capable, motivated and can deliver, we want you on our team. Cero Generation is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief. We facilitate a range of flexible working arrangements within our teams. Talk to us about what flexibility may be available.

Cero Generation respects the privacy of the people we deal with, and we uphold high standards of privacy practice and security. Our privacy policy is available on our website at cerogeneration.com.