Senior Project Manager - Europe

Smart Wiresis seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our Project Delivery team and lead the deployment of our innovative grid technology at substations across major UK and European utilities.

As a Senior Project Manager, you will work closely with utility customers, subcontractors and cross-functional teams within Smart Wires to efficiently deliver high-impact energy infrastructure projects by deploying grid enhancing technology on the high voltage transmission system.

You will be responsible and accountable for ensuring multi-million-euro/pound projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and to the highest quality standards. Success in this role requires a strong blend of relationship management, planning, execution, and organizational skills.

Key to this role is the ability to meet key targets and requirements, manage risks, adapt to changing requirements, and deliver consistent value to our customers across diverse regulatory and operational environments in Europe and the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple large, complex infrastructure projects, while developing strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams
• Deliver projects in line with contractual and quality standards/obligations, KPIs, and applicable national and EU regulations.
• Manage all phases of project lifecycle: tendering, project initiation, planning, engineering, procurement, factory acceptance testing, manufacturing, logistics, installation, installation, commissioning, customer handover, and remedial/ warranty activities
• Manage remedial programs for projects already in service across Europe and the UK
• Analyze problems, actions, and progress issues as appropriate, ensuring follow through to resolution.
• Document all significant project events, such as accidents, delays, and change orders.
• Act as the primary point of contact with the project customer and ensure clear and proactive communication throughout the entire project lifecycle
• Provide timely and accurate status updates to key Smart Wires management and internal stakeholders in support of project governance.
• Monitor progress, manage issues, and implement corrective actions where required
• Estimate budgets and contract prices, control project budgets, and ensure financial accountability across all project activities
• Keep projects on schedule and deliver projects on time.
• Oversee procurement for project materials and negotiate cost-effective material purchases
• Negotiate, prepare, and issue subcontract bid packages. Negotiate cost-effective subcontractor purchases, as well as manage subcontracts and third-party service relationships.
• Manage efficient and effective use of contract resources for a variety of works
• Ensure compliance with Smart Wires and client HSE policies and quality standards
• Prepare comprehensive documentation, including reporting for internal and external stakeholders
• Proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the evolution of project delivery processes and best practices
• Provide support to business development and tendering activities as required
• Travel to customer and supplier sites across Europe and the UK as projects require

Requirements

• Proven experience managing complex infrastructure or utility projects from end to end. Has a demonstrable ability to deliver high-value projects safely, on time and within budget.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience of managing complex projects in a complex environment, including applying remedial measures to project delivery.
• Experience of the development of counter-measures and contingency plans associated with significant project risk.
• Experience with relevant project change control mechanisms, including the transition process into operations and acceptance criteria.
• Demonstrable ability to identify and manage key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with European utility practices and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and engage with stakeholders at all levels.

Desired Skills and Experiences

1. Education & Technical Background
1. Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Project Management, or Construction Management.
1. Civil or Electrical Engineering experience and/or education strongly preferred.
2. Project Management Expertise
1. 5–10 years of experience delivering utility substation or large-scale infrastructure projects.
2. Proven track record of managing complex projects with full oversight of scheduling, cost control, procurement, and estimating.
3. PMP®, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification.
4. Solid understanding of contract law, project accounting, and commercial terms.
3. Industry Knowledge & Passion
1. Experience in energy, utilities, or EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) projects.
2. Passion for driving projects that contribute to a positive and lasting impact on climate change.
4. Leadership & Soft Skills
1. Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-moving environment.
2. Proactive, resourceful, and calm under pressure - able to problem-solve independently and synthesize information quickly.
3. Strong collaboration mindset: values learning from peers, sharing knowledge, and supporting team growth.
4. Exceptional stakeholder management and customer relationship skills, with the ability to liaise effectively at all levels, internally and externally.
5. Commitment to Safety & Standards
1. A genuine respect for safety culture - embedding safety practices and adhering to guidelines in every stage of project execution.

Travel

15-20%. The candidate will be required to travel customer sites periodically. As the roles involves supporting project delivery across Europe and the UK.

Safety Requirements

Smart Wires team members are expected to comply with all safety requirements and regulations when working at Smart Wires facilities and visiting customer sites. This includes adherence to all EU and national regulations. Additional safety precautions may include the use of PPE gear as needed per site requirements.

The Company

Smart Wires is a global power technology company advancing the delivery of affordable, clean electricity worldwide. With our innovative technology and advanced analytics, we maximize the grid’s capacity. This means more renewables, at a lower cost and with less disruption to communities and the environment. Smart Wires is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a global workforce spread across four continents. Our team collaborates with our customers to achieve their strategic objectives and help them face an uncertain energy future with flexible, high-impact solutions.

The Culture

We are passionate about creating a culture that empowers our team to create positive change for everyone and achieve their full potential, based on our core values:

Making an impact - We are passionate and ambitious about a better future for everyone. We are laser-focused on creating a meaningful, positive impact with real change for our customers, our industry, electricity consumers, and the planet.

Collaboration to drive success - We collaborate with each other, and our stakeholders, because we know even better outcomes come from great teamwork. We have humility which allows us to listen, learn and improve. We value diverse perspectives and seek high impact results.

Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions and behaviors, and for the outcomes we deliver. Acting with integrity and authenticity – and maintaining clear, open communication – ensures we are always improving, and delivering safe, high-quality solutions. We do what we say we will do.

Tenacious courage - We are clear on our path. We have always pioneered new ideas that challenge the status quo, even when it’s not popular. We have tenacity, grit and determination. We push the boundaries of what’s thought to be possible – so we can leave the world a better place than we found it.