Head of Engineering (IPP, Renewables)

Head of Engineering

Location: Japan
Sector: Renewable Energy (Solar PV, BESS, Hybrid Systems)
Company Type: Independent Power Producer (IPP)

Overview

We are supporting a fast‑growing renewable energy IPP in Japan with a strong and expanding development and asset pipeline. The company is seeking a Head of Engineering to lead engineering activities across solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and hybrid projects, working closely with both domestic and overseas stakeholders.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who combines deep technical expertise with strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills, and who can operate effectively in both Japanese and international business environments.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership

• Lead and oversee all engineering activities across solar PV, BESS, and hybrid renewable energy projects from development through construction and into operations.
• Ensure technical quality, consistency, and compliance across the project portfolio, including design standards, specifications, and engineering best practices.
• Provide technical input into site selection, feasibility studies, system sizing, and technology selection.

Project & Team Management

• Manage and develop a capable in‑house engineering team, fostering a strong technical culture and supporting long‑term talent growth.
• Work closely with project development, construction, O&M, and commercial teams to ensure smooth project execution.
• Support engineering reviews, value engineering, and risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key technical interface with Japanese stakeholders, including utilities, EPCs, equipment suppliers, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate and align with overseas divisions and global engineering teams, ensuring consistency with group standards while adapting to the Japanese market.
• Support technical discussions with investors, partners, and senior management, including C‑suite‑level engagement when required.

Strategy & Growth

• Contribute to the company's long‑term technical and asset strategy, particularly as the pipeline scales and hybrid solutions expand.
• Stay up to date on industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes in Japan and globally.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and governance.

Requirements

Technical & Professional Background

• Strong technical background in renewable energy engineering, with hands‑on experience in solar PV, BESS, and ideally hybrid systems.
• Proven experience overseeing projects across multiple stages (development, construction, and/or operations).

Leadership & Communication

• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor engineering teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, capable of working effectively with both domestic (Japan) and international counterparts.
• Comfortable communicating complex technical topics to non‑technical stakeholders.

Language Skills

• Business‑level Japanese and English are essential to succeed in this role.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working within an IPP, developer, EPC, or investment‑backed renewable platform.
• Exposure to international projects or matrix organisations.
• Ability to balance technical depth with a pragmatic, business‑oriented mindset.

Why Join

• Opportunity to join a growing IPP with a strong and visible renewable energy pipeline in Japan.
• Leadership role with high autonomy and influence on technical direction and project outcomes.
• Collaborative environment with a strong engineering team and close interaction with senior management and overseas teams.