Asset Operation Project Director BESS - H/F - Job Opportunity at EDF Power Solutions

Nanterre, France
Full-time
Executive
Posted: August 8, 2025
On-site
€120,000 - €150,000 annually plus performance bonuses and international assignment allowances, reflecting the executive nature of the role, specialized BESS expertise requirements, and EDF's position as a major European energy corporation

Benefits

Competitive salary package with attractive company benefits and perks, positioning above market standards for executive-level renewable energy roles
International career development opportunities across 20+ countries, providing unparalleled global exposure
Modern, well-equipped, and healthy workplace in strategic La Défense business district location
Tailored career progression pathways within a world-leading renewable energy corporation
Opportunity to contribute to critical climate change solutions through clean energy projects
Professional development through mentoring and training programs within EDF Group's extensive network

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic Asset Operation management for complex BESS projects across international markets, directly impacting multi-million dollar renewable energy investments
Drive Health and Safety culture implementation across global project organizations, ensuring compliance with international standards and protecting workforce integrity
Execute merger and acquisition due diligence processes for renewable energy assets, providing critical technical expertise for strategic business decisions
Coordinate technical integration initiatives across international subsidiaries, ensuring operational excellence and knowledge transfer
Develop comprehensive OPEX financial models and cost optimization strategies for large-scale renewable energy operations
Negotiate and manage complex O&M, EPC, and equipment supply contracts worth millions of dollars
Establish and maintain project management processes and governance frameworks across the global organization
Conduct Readiness to Operate reviews for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and efficient commissioning
Mentor and develop next-generation project management talent within the organization

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree in Engineering, Business Management or equivalent

Experience

Minimum 10 years of experience in a project management position delivering Renewable Energy services

Required Skills

Proven track record in BESS is a must Experience in Wind and Solar beneficial Experience in hybrid plants nice to have Proven successful previous international experience is a must Project Management: understands the application of all related Knowledge Areas (scope, cost, time, quality, HSE, risk, communications, etc) Technical Management: understands common fields of engineering (civil, electrical) with strong knowledge and understanding of Solar, Wind and Storage technologies Contract Management: understands interactions between contract and project management Substantial experience in power plants and in particular in project management of renewable projects Experience in management of O&M and/or Asset Management contracts Strong knowledge of Project Management methodologies Fluent English communication (oral and written) Leadership and corporate mindset Flexibility to interact and travel within multicultural environments Collaborative and co-operative leadership style Ability to work in high stress situations Networking and communication skills Ability to summarize and facilitate decision-making Persuasive power and influence Deadline-driven, results-oriented

Certifications

PMP certification is a plus
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) market is experiencing unprecedented growth with global capacity expected to reach 120 GW by 2026, driven by grid stabilization needs and renewable energy integration requirements. This explosive growth is creating acute demand for experienced BESS project directors who can navigate complex technical and regulatory landscapes across multiple international markets. Renewable energy companies are increasingly focusing on hybrid projects that combine solar, wind, and storage technologies, requiring directors with comprehensive understanding of integrated energy systems and their operational complexities. The shift toward energy independence and decarbonization goals across Europe and globally is driving massive infrastructure investments, with the EU's REPowerEU plan allocating €300 billion for renewable energy acceleration, creating sustained demand for senior renewable energy executives. Digital transformation in asset management is revolutionizing O&M strategies, with predictive maintenance and AI-driven optimization becoming critical competencies for asset operation leaders in the renewable energy sector.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional teams of 15-25 professionals including project managers, technical specialists, and regional coordinators, while also interfacing with C-level executives, government officials, and major contractor leadership across multiple time zones and cultural contexts.
This is a senior executive position with significant strategic influence, reporting directly to Industrial & Asset Operation Modelling Manager and responsible for multi-million dollar project portfolios across 20+ countries. The role combines P&L responsibility, strategic planning, and operational excellence, positioning the incumbent as a key decision-maker in EDF's renewable energy expansion strategy.

Key Projects

Large-scale utility BESS installations ranging from 50-500 MWh capacity Hybrid renewable energy plants combining solar/wind with storage systems Grid stabilization projects for transmission system operators Commercial and industrial energy storage solutions for major corporations International market entry projects requiring regulatory navigation and local partnership development

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in battery energy storage technologies, grid integration, and power electronics, combined with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business strategy and stakeholder communications. Success requires staying current with rapidly evolving battery chemistries, safety protocols, and grid code requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Exceptional cross-cultural leadership capabilities with proven ability to build consensus and drive results across diverse international teams. This includes navigating different regulatory environments, cultural business practices, and varying levels of renewable energy market maturity across EDF's global footprint. Strategic financial acumen with experience in complex project financing, OPEX optimization, and contract negotiation. Success requires understanding of power purchase agreements, capacity markets, ancillary services revenue streams, and the evolving economics of energy storage across different market structures. Risk management expertise covering technical, commercial, and regulatory risks specific to BESS projects, including safety protocols, performance degradation modeling, and long-term warranty management. This includes staying ahead of evolving safety standards and insurance requirements in the rapidly maturing BESS industry.

Market Demand

Extremely high demand with limited qualified candidates, as the intersection of BESS expertise, international project management experience, and renewable energy sector knowledge creates a highly specialized and sought-after skill set

Important Skills

Critical Skills

BESS technical expertise is absolutely critical as battery energy storage represents the fastest-growing segment of renewable energy infrastructure, and mistakes in system design, procurement, or operation can result in safety incidents, performance failures, or financial losses in the millions. The technology is complex, rapidly evolving, and requires deep understanding of electrochemistry, power electronics, and grid integration. International project management capabilities are essential given EDF's global footprint and the need to coordinate complex projects across multiple time zones, regulatory environments, and cultural contexts. Success requires proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships, navigate bureaucratic processes, and adapt management styles to local business practices while maintaining consistent safety and quality standards. Contract negotiation and commercial management skills are vital as BESS projects involve complex multi-party agreements with equipment suppliers, EPC contractors, grid operators, and offtakers. These contracts often involve novel risk allocation structures, performance guarantees, and long-term service agreements that require sophisticated commercial understanding and negotiation expertise.

Beneficial Skills

Digital transformation and data analytics capabilities are increasingly valuable as the renewable energy industry adopts IoT sensors, predictive maintenance algorithms, and AI-driven optimization tools. Understanding these technologies and their implementation can provide significant competitive advantage in asset performance optimization. Regulatory and policy expertise across multiple jurisdictions becomes increasingly important as energy markets evolve rapidly with new market structures, grid codes, and support mechanisms. Deep understanding of regulatory trends can inform strategic decisions and identify new market opportunities. Financial modeling and risk assessment skills specific to energy storage projects, including understanding of capacity markets, ancillary services, and energy arbitrage opportunities, can significantly enhance project development and optimization capabilities.

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare opportunity to shape the global BESS industry at a critical inflection point, working with cutting-edge technologies while having the resources and international reach of a major European utility
The position combines technical leadership with business strategy, requiring navigation of complex international regulatory environments while managing relationships with major equipment suppliers, contractors, and government stakeholders
EDF's commitment to doubling renewable capacity by 2030 provides exceptional visibility into long-term career security and growth opportunities within a stable, financially robust organization
The role offers exposure to the full spectrum of renewable energy technologies and markets, from mature European markets to emerging opportunities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America

Career Growth

3-5 years to regional leadership roles, 5-8 years to C-suite positions, depending on market expansion success and strategic project outcomes

Potential Next Roles

Regional Managing Director for EDF Power Solutions covering specific geographic markets Chief Technology Officer or Chief Operating Officer for renewable energy divisions Independent consultant or advisory roles for major energy infrastructure funds Senior executive positions with other major renewable energy developers like Ørsted, Iberdrola, or NextEra Energy Leadership roles in emerging energy technologies such as green hydrogen or offshore wind development

Company Overview

EDF Power Solutions

EDF Power Solutions operates as the renewable energy development arm of EDF Group, one of Europe's largest electricity companies with €84 billion in annual revenue and operations across 37 countries. The company is executing an ambitious CAP 2030 strategy to double renewable capacity from 28 GW to 50 GW, positioning it as a major player in the global energy transition.

EDF Group ranks among the top 3 European energy companies and top 10 globally, with particular strength in nuclear, hydro, and increasingly renewable energy. EDF Power Solutions specifically has established significant market presence in North America, Europe, and emerging markets, with a strong reputation for technical excellence and project execution capabilities.
The Nanterre location serves as the European headquarters for renewable energy operations, strategically positioned in the La Défense business district to facilitate coordination with major financial institutions, government agencies, and international partners. This location provides access to Europe's renewable energy decision-makers and positions the role at the center of European energy transition initiatives.
EDF maintains a performance-driven culture with strong emphasis on safety, technical excellence, and environmental responsibility. The organization values international collaboration, professional development, and long-term career growth, typical of large European utility companies with strong engineering traditions and commitment to public service missions.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.