Freelance Construction Project Manager Engineering, Construction & HSEQ London

About us

This is a 24 month contract role starting in April '25. May extend to 36 months.

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 identifies, develops, builds and energises major solar energy projects across eight European countries, and doing so responsibly we are helping communities to thrive across Europe and beyond.

We have a 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

As the Freelance Project Manager (FPM), you will be accountable for delivering solar and battery storage and other electrical infrastructure construction projects from contract signature (financial close) to commercial operations and handover to operations asset management.

You will be working with the project contractors, partners and stakeholders to maintain the highest safety and quality standards to deliver projects on time and on budget.

You will be part of an experienced integrated project team across various disciplines (Development, Finance, Engineering, WHSES, Asset Management, M&A) comprised of internal and external resources and will be expected to spend significant time travelling to the projects in the United Kingdom to visit sites and meet with contractors, advisors, grid operators and other key stakeholders. You will have a track record in delivering the construction and commissioning of solar, battery and/or electrical infrastructure projects and demonstrable technical expertise.

Main responsibilities

• As the client's point of contact for the projects in construction you will ensure in collaboration with CERO's internal resources and 3rd parties that all contractors are meeting their contractual obligations in the time agreed.
• Leadership with regards to Cero's objectives and CERO values.
• Ensure focus on Health and Safety standards during preparation/execution of all works, leading by example and seeking to establish a robust safety culture.
• Working with the EPC contractors, CERO's onsite and offsite consultants, suppliers and the WHSES team to maintain the highest standards of WHSES and Quality on the project and ensuring the implementation of a robust project management based on procedures and processes.
• Liaising closely with EPC contractors, lenders, technical authorities, suppliers of key equipment, 3rd party consultants and local stakeholders.
• Resolving project timeline and technical problems in a timely manner through effective collaboration and close liaison with internal and external parties.
• Continuously review and assess the Project Schedules and track actual construction project progress and timelines.
• Active management of the construction critical path and any other project related activities.
• Liaising with project stakeholders and providing regular reporting to Senior Project Management members in CERO, SPV board of directors, financing parties and other stakeholders.
• Ensuring Risk Management according to CERO's objectives and guidance throughout the project, identifying and taking advantage of opportunities as well as implementing adequate mitigation measures as needed.
• Budget / contingencies management as well as financial monitoring, supported by relevant departments.
• Regular reporting to the Senior Project Manager, timely escalation of critical matters.
• Site presence: Visiting the different project sites in UK as required on a weekly basis. Other travels/site visits as required and in coordination with the Senior Project Manager.

What will you need to succeed in the role?

Essential Skills

• To succeed in this role, you will have 5 years or more experience in the project controls and project / construction management of solar, battery storage, electrical infrastructures, or other utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• A strong understanding of the grid connection process and the commissioning process of electrical installations.
• You will have an understanding of technical reporting requirements and procedures and bring an effective and inquisitive mindset in managing contractors and their contracts.
• You will be open and amenable to work with all CERO's dedicated resources, including working alongside partners and other stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
• You will have experience in cost structuring and in cost control approach, process and procedures.
• HSE-attitude: live by example, support the implementation of a safety culture in the project team and project, look out for yourself and others.
• Demonstrate capacity to self-motivate and -organize the assigned tasks and responsibilities.
• Work ethic and attitude should align with CERO values.
• Collaborative and accountable.
• Ambitious and impactful.
• Courageous and caring.
• Fluent in English. Any other language is a plus.
• Active effort and capacity to support team building, integration and structure.
• Strive for continuous improvement within the project, capture and implement lessons learned.
• Proficient with Windows/Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint.

Desirable Skills

Existing skills are welcome, learning and improvement through specific training can be arranged in alignment with line manager:

• Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Visio.
• SigmaSix.

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