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Director of Operations –
Utility-Scale Solar Projects
Overview of the Role
The Director of Operations for utility-scale solar projects is a senior leader responsible for turning Mitros’s largest solar farm initiatives into successful, on-the-ground realities. In this role, you oversee all phases of utility-scale project delivery – from initial bidding and planning through construction and final commissioning – ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
As a key member of Mitros’s leadership team, you shape operational strategy and foster cross-functional collaboration so that engineering, procurement, and site teams work in unison. This role is critical to Mitros’s growth, as it guarantees that the company’s flagship solar projects (often tens of MW in size) are executed to the highest standards, reinforcing Mitros’s reputation as a premier EPC contractor in renewable energy.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Project Oversight: Lead all aspects of utility-scale solar projects from inception to completion. Develop project scopes, master schedules, and budgets in coordination with engineers and contractors. Oversee project planning, resource allocation, permitting, construction, and commissioning to meet schedule and quality targets. Identify and manage project risks proactively, implementing mitigation plans to keep projects on track
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Bid & Contract Management: Steer the bid and tender process for new utility-scale projects. Prepare competitive proposals and accurate cost estimates, working with estimating teams to win new contracts. Negotiate and finalize EPC contracts, subcontracts, and supplier agreements, ensuring favourable terms for Mitros. Once contracts are secured, define clear project execution plans and KPIs for success.
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Project Delivery Leadership: Upon project award, assume overall leadership of the project delivery. Assign and mentor Project Managers and site managers for each project, providing high-level direction and problem-solving support. Monitor progress through regular reports and site visits, intervening as needed to resolve critical issues. Ensure all subcontractor work is properly coordinated and supervised in all phases. Maintain strict oversight of project timelines and costs, making adjustments to workflows to stay within budget.
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Stakeholder & Client Coordination: Act as the primary liaison with clients, financiers, and external stakeholders on utility-scale projects. Maintain strong communication with the client throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring their expectations are met or exceeded. Liaise with regulators and grid operators (e.g. ESB Networks) to secure necessary permits and grid connections, addressing any regulatory requirements promptly. Manage relationships with landowners, local authorities, and community stakeholders, resolving issues (such as land access or community concerns) to keep the project moving forward smoothly.
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Operational Excellence & Compliance: Implement industry best practices and Mitros’s internal standards across all projects. Uphold a strong health, safety, quality, and environmental culture on site – ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 management systems. Monitor site safety performance and enforce all HSE policies in collaboration with the Health & Safety Manager, so that work is carried out with zero harm. Track project performance metrics and conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement in project execution processes.
Required Qualifications
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Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. An advanced degree (or MBA) is a plus. At least 8–10 years of experience managing large-scale infrastructure or renewable energy projects, with a strong track record in utility-scale solar or power projects. Prior experience in a senior operations or project delivery leadership role is highly desirable.
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Project Management Certification: Professional certification such as PMP or PRINCE2 is preferred, demonstrating formal training in project management best practices. This signals ability to manage complex project schedules, scope, and risk effectively.
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Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of solar PV systems and power generation. Familiarity with high-voltage electrical systems, grid connection requirements, and civil construction aspects of solar farms. Knowledge of Irish renewable energy regulations and the permitting process for large-scale projects (planning permissions, grid codes, etc.) is essential.
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Regulatory & Safety: Strong knowledge of Irish health, safety, and environmental regulations as they pertain to construction projects. Safe Pass certification (required for site work in Ireland) and a commitment to enforcing H&S standards on all projects. Understanding of contracts and construction law is an advantage for managing contractual issues and claims.
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Leadership & Communication: Demonstrated leadership abilities in building and guiding high-performing teams. Excellent communication and negotiation skills for managing client relationships and stakeholder expectations. Able to make sound decisions under pressure and represent Mitros confidently in client and industry meetings. Proficiency in project management software and standard office tools is expected.
Key Competencies and Skills
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Leadership & Team Coordination: Exceptional leadership skills to mentor project teams and foster collaboration. Able to delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for outcomes. Keeps teams motivated and focused on common goals, even in challenging situations.
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Strategic Planning & Organisation: Highly organised and capable of overseeing multiple projects simultaneously. Adept at setting priorities and allocating resources to meet business objectives. Anticipates future project needs and scales operations accordingly.
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Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal skills for managing relationships with clients, partners, and regulatory bodies. Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution to handle contract variations, landowner agreements, and any disputes smoothly.
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Technical Acumen: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to understand complex engineering reports and project details. Comfortable reviewing technical designs and specifications; able to provide input or decisions on technical issues to ensure quality standards are met.
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Financial & Risk Management: Commercially astute, able to oversee project budgets, cost forecasts, and financial performance. Identifies potential risks early and implements mitigation strategies. Uses value engineering where possible to optimise costs without compromising on quality or reliability.
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Problem-Solving: Solutions-focused and calm under pressure. Quickly evaluates problems and directs teams to corrective actions, minimising disruption to project timelines. Decisive in urgent situations, drawing on experience and data to choose the best course of action.
Contribution to Mitros’s Mission and Sustainability Goals
By efficiently delivering large-scale solar farms, the Director of Operations directly accelerates renewable energy deployment on the national grid. Each utility-scale project completed adds substantial clean electricity capacity, helping Ireland meet its renewable targets and reducing carbon emissions. Through rigorous standards and oversight, this role ensures quality and longevity of solar assets – well-built solar farms that operate reliably over decades produce maximum green energy output. The Director’s focus on safety and compliance also means sustainability is achieved responsibly, protecting workers and communities as we build clean energy infrastructure. Furthermore, by delivering projects on time and on budget, the Director of Operations supports sustainable business growth at Mitros – successful projects lead to repeat business and profits that can be reinvested in new renewable initiatives. In essence, this role turns Mitros’s vision of a cleaner energy future into reality at scale, project by project.
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