General Manager, Solar and BESS Engineering
Tokyo
Permanent
Negotiable
Renewable Energy
PR/595695_1781579933
General Manager, Solar and BESS Engineering
Company Overview
A leading renewable energy developer and asset owner, this organization is at the forefront of delivering large-scale clean energy projects across Asia-Pacific. With a diversified portfolio spanning solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), onshore wind, and emerging infrastructure such as data centres, the company is committed to accelerating the energy transition through innovation, technical excellence, and sustainable investment. The business operates across the full project lifecycle-from early-stage development to construction and long-term operations-partnering closely with utilities, regulators, and key industry stakeholders.
Position Summary
We are seeking a General Manager - Head of Engineering (Solar & BESS) to provide strategic and technical leadership across the Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems engineering function in Japan.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing engineering delivery, driving technical excellence, and managing multidisciplinary teams across a growing project portfolio. The role will lead two core functions: Solar & BESS Engineering and Grid & Electrical Engineering, ensuring seamless integration across all stages of project execution.
You will collaborate closely with Development, EPC, Construction, Commercial, and external stakeholders including utilities, consultants, and regulatory bodies to deliver best-in-class renewable energy projects.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and scale high-performing Solar & BESS and Grid & Electrical Engineering teams
- Oversee engineering design, specifications, and cost estimation across multiple renewable energy asset classes
- Define and guide Solar PV system architecture, including DC/AC design, module layout, and mechanical integration
- Provide strategic direction on grid interconnection processes (SIS, GCA, SCC/SCA) and regulatory compliance
- Drive technical due diligence, RFQ processes, contract negotiations, and procurement strategies
Project Delivery
- Provide end-to-end technical oversight from project development through construction and commissioning
- Ensure designs are optimized for constructability, performance, and cost-efficiency
- Support EPC/EPCm project execution with strong technical governance and risk mitigation frameworks
- Collaborate with construction teams to proactively resolve technical challenges and improve site execution
- Validate site conditions, review engineering deliverables, and ensure commissioning readiness
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Align engineering outputs with Development, Business Development, Permitting, EPC, and Construction teams
- Act as the key technical interface with external stakeholders including utilities, authorities, contractors, and consultants
- Support strategic decision-making through technical insights and risk assessments
Standards, Quality & Optimization
- Oversee yield assessments, benchmarking, and technical risk analysis across projects
- Drive continuous optimization of system design to improve performance and reduce LCOE
- Establish and implement engineering standards, design tools, and best practices across the organization
- Monitor KPIs, engineering progress, and reporting cycles to ensure transparency and accountability
Team Development & Organizational Leadership
- Coach and develop engineering talent, fostering a high-performance and collaborative team culture
- Review and optimize team structure in line with pipeline growth and project demands
- Champion organizational values focused on communication, collaboration, quality, accountability, and proactiveness
- Contribute to the broader evolution of the technical organization and long-term engineering strategy
Requirements
Technical & Experience
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related discipline
- Minimum 10 years of experience in renewable energy engineering, including leadership roles in Japan
- Strong expertise in electrical system design, including SLDs, DC/AC systems, substations, cabling, and SCADA
- Demonstrated experience with Solar PV and BESS engineering, including design optimization and performance analysis
- In-depth knowledge of Japan's grid interconnection processes (SIS, GCA, SCC/SCA)
- Proven track record in cost optimization, yield benchmarking, and reducing LCOE
- Experience supporting EPC/EPCm delivery, construction coordination, and commissioning
Leadership & Soft Skills
- Strong experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams at scale
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
- Strategic mindset with the ability to balance technical detail and commercial outcomes
- Proactive, structured, and solutions-oriented leadership approach
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
Why Apply / Career Opportunity
- Take on a critical leadership role shaping the engineering direction of a major renewable energy portfolio in Japan
- Work on large-scale, impactful projects across solar, BESS, and integrated energy systems
- Influence technical standards, innovation, and project strategy at an organizational level
- Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team in a rapidly expanding market
- Be part of the energy transition, driving sustainable infrastructure and long-term impact
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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