Project Service Office Manager

Lead the  management of all project execution activities and profitable business growth of Project Service Office (PSO) in Croatia, with responsibility across multiple countries in the Balkan area for Grid and Power Quality Solution and Service Product Group of Hitachi Energy. Oversee country-level operations management of the PSO ensuring operations are executed in accordance with company procedures, contract specifications, quality standards, health, safety & environment requirements, financial targets, and schedule commitments. PSO is accountable for the Local Operations which includes HSE, OPEX, team´s competencies and capabilities, stability and improvement of backlog gross margin, R&O, among other tasks related to Project Execution.

Main Accountabilities:

Performance Targets: Ensures that the portfolio of projects in the area of responsibility is managed consistently, based on best practices and Hitachi Energy Policies. Ensures profitable business growth through development of performance targets in line with PSO  targets and ensures achievement through regular oversight and definition of improvement actions as needed. Work closely with sales and the total organization regarding business targets and actions including customer meetings and sales calls

Project execution and control: Ensures the execution of projects according to agreed targets in terms of schedule, quality, financial results and customer satisfaction. Supervises project execution and performance management through project reviews with management and Project Managers to ensure contract fulfilment, and approves any project deviations. Takes an active role in resolving escalated issues, especially those raised by the customer. Ensures the portfolio of projects follows good methodology and execution practices in accordance with internal standard procedures, and projects are closed as per contracts entered with customers.

Strategy: Ensures business development in the operating unit, with responsibility for profit and loss (P&L). Evaluates opportunities in local markets and decides appropriate activities in line with the strategy provided by Italian Operation Unit.

Stakeholder relations: Acts as key contact for the customers and an escalation point for project issues.  Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and effectively communicates with all stakeholders.

Health, safety, and environment (HSE): Implements HSE and business compliance standards and regulations within the area of responsibility. Ensures a safe working environment and champions continuous improvement of HSE processes. Ensures the unit is managed with integrity and personally lives the Hitachi Energy values and Group standards.

Budget, sales and operations planning: Participates in the budgeting process, in Sales and Operations planning with other members of the Operating Unit management team, and takes actions to close potential gaps in project execution capacity.

People leadership and development: Ensures (with HR Manager support) that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed, skilled and directed. Guides, motivates and develops direct and indirect subordinates within HR policies.

Living Hitachi Energy's core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business. 

Requirements:

• Bachelor's/Master’s degree in an engineering field;

• At least 5 years of experience in Operation Management in multinational organizations with a focus on EPC projects; experience in Electrical System industry (T&D or Power Generation) is an advantage;

• Previous experience with TSO utilities in Balkan countries

• Experience managing projects under different contractual models both in public and private sector (i.e FIDIC)

• Fluent in English; mother tongue Croatian

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP and Microsoft Project.

• Proactive and highly organized, experience in coordinating team also in remote locations;

• Available to travel nationally & internationally, as needed (average 25 %);

• Proven ability to motivate teams to achieve high standards and accomplish set outcomes