DCS Norway (A CTS Group Compnay)

Vaasa, Ostrobothnia, Finland

Project Director

Job ID JOB-006-0000316

About the Role

Job Description

1. Purpose of the Role

The Project Director is accountable for the end-to-end leadership and delivery of large, complex EPC projects, with full responsibility across all phases from project conception, engineering, procurement, and construction through commissioning and closeout. The role exists to ensure projects are executed safely, on schedule, and within approved cost parameters, while consistently meeting or exceeding contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.

This position provides strategic direction and governance to multidisciplinary project teams, establishes robust execution plans, and proactively manages risk, interfaces, and stakeholder relationships. Success in the role requires exceptional leadership capability, deep technical and commercial expertise in the utility and transmission industry, and the ability to drive disciplined project controls across large-scale, high-value programs. The Project Director serves as the primary steward of safety culture, quality standards, and client satisfaction, ensuring sustainable project outcomes and long-term value for the organization and its customers.

Note: DCS Norway operates a competence-based resource model. While this job description defines the primary function of the role, individuals are expected to contribute across other engineering and project functions based on their competencies and the needs of the business. This approach supports team flexibility, professional development, and efficient resource utilisation across projects.

2. Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Manage the full lifecycle of high-voltage transmission Substation projects, including scoping, planning, budgeting, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning. 

• Build and lead multi-disciplinary teams including engineers, designers, contractors, and subcontractors. 

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company safety standards. 

• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, working with utility companies, government agencies, and landowners to resolve concerns.

Budget & Schedule Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage project budgets, ensuring financial control and profitability together with the Finance team.

• Establish project timelines and ensure timely completion of milestones.

• Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Technical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance for the design and construction of high-voltage transmission Substations (up to 400 kV).

• Review and approve engineering designs, materials, and construction plans.

• Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE, NEK, FEF) and best practices in transmission Substations construction.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and external stakeholders.

• Communicate project progress, risks, and issues to clients and internal leadership.

• Manage client expectations, resolve conflicts, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Team Development: Mentor and develop junior project managers and project team members.

• Lead by example in fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)

• Executive accountability for HSE performance across all phases of high voltage substation projects, ensuring safe execution in line with Finnish regulatory requirements.

• Strong working knowledge of the Working Environment Act, Internal Control Regulation, Construction Client Regulations (Byggherreforskriften), DSB requirements, and FSE related to electrical safety.

• Demonstrated experience managing high-risk construction environments, including live electrical systems, switching operations, lifting activities, and multi-contractor interfaces.

• Proven ability to implement and govern robust HSE Management Systems aligned with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 (or equivalent).

• Oversight of contractor HSE performance, audits, KPIs, and incident investigation processes, ensuring effective risk mitigation and continuous improvement.

• Visible safety leadership, promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance, environmental stewardship, and emergency preparedness across the project lifecycle.

3. Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum 8-10 years of project management experience in the utility or transmission Substations industry.

• Proven track record of managing large-scale, high-voltage transmission Substations projects.

• Extensive experience in managing EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contracts.

• Familiarity with regulatory and permitting processes related to transmission Substations.

• Strong understanding of transmission Substation design, engineering, and construction practices.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).

• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget development and cost control.

• Experience with ACC as a cloud build system a plus

Technical Skills: Include compliance + technical proficiency

• In-depth understanding of electrical engineering, including primary and secondary systems

• Knowledge of local contractors and suppliers in Finland and ways of working in Finland an advantage

• Knowledgeable regarding civil and CSA required

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.

• Experience managing and developing large, distributed and diverse teams.

• In-depth experience building operational processes across the full lifecyle of EPC projects.

• Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities.

Other Requirements:

• Must be an EU Citizen able to work on-site in Finland.

• Some travel to Lisbon will be required (up to four times per year).

4. Strategic Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Project Delivery: On-time and within-budget completion of substation design, commissioning, and construction projects. 

• Quality and Safety Compliance: Adherence to quality assurance protocols and safety regulations across all projects. 

• Operational Efficiency: Optimized resource utilization across multiple projects to ensure cost savings without compromising quality. 

• Team Development: Strengthening of technical team capabilities and ensuring effective training programs for substation-related technical skills. 

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Positive feedback and strong relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

5. Replacement Policy

• In case of absence of less than one month, the Project Director will be replaced by their line manager (currently the CEO, but may be updated as the company grows and reporting lines evolve).

• For absences exceeding one month, a temporary replacement will be appointed by senior management. Internal or external recruitment may apply, accordingly to DCS Norway replacement policy guideline

• The replacement person will assume the key responsibilities outlined in this job description to ensure continuity in finance operations.

• The Company reserves the right to amend, modify, or update this Job Description, subject to prior agreement with the Employee.

Required Skills

Desired Skills