Job Ref : 007

Head of Civil Engineering

  • Contract: CDI/Permanent

  • Workplace: Lyon – France

  • Working arrangement: Flexible with option for home working

  • Travel: Occasional travel across France and Europe, as required

  • Remuneration: Competitive, based on experience

  • Experience: 8-15+ years preferred

  • Start date: Q4 2024

Join Skyray, a leader in the design, engineering, construction, and operation of large-scale PV + storage projects and help us achieve our mission to positively impact the implementation of large-scale PV solutions.

We are seeking a Head of Civil Engineering to lead our civil engineering team and oversee the technical validation of solar projects across Europe for our clients. In this role, you will supervise civil engineering experts, provide your expertise in civil engineering aspects related to solar infrastructure-including structural, foundation, and geotechnical elements-and take on direct project management responsibilities.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Your Role and Responsibilities:

As the Head of Civil Engineering, you will lead the civil engineering team and oversee all civil-related technical aspects of solar projects across Europe.

This role combines technical leadership, team management, project oversight, and close collaboration with clients to provide high-quality engineering solutions.

Your Main tasks

As Head of Civil Engineering, you will be responsible for contributing across four key areas:

1. Civil Expertise

Provide expertise on all civil and structural aspects related to large-scale PV plants and storage systems:

  • Provide technical expertise and final approval of all civil engineering designs, including structural, foundation, and geotechnical components of solar installations.

  • Analyze and incorporate findings from geotechnical, wind tunnel, and hydrology studies, ensuring comprehensive civil engineering solutions.

  • Draft calculation notes and design assumptions using both modelling software and manual calculations, ensuring technical validation and quality control of all deliverables.

  • Stay up to date with national and international standards applicable to photovoltaic plants.

2. Team Management

Ensure the well-being and development of the civil engineering team.

  • Lead and manage a team of civil engineering experts, ensuring professional growth and a collaborative team environment.

  • Develop and implement best practices for civil engineering processes to drive continuous improvement in project execution.

  • Oversee resource allocation and ensure balanced workload distribution within the team.

3. Project Management

Act as project manager or team member on various PV and storage projects.

  • Development Support: provide technical support to Solar Project Owners along the different phases of the project (design, permitting, tendering for construction).

  • Construction Monitoring: supervise the construction and carry out quality control to ensure construction works run smoothly and on time and control internal costs to make sure the job is done within the budget agreed with the client.

  • Coordinate: ensure coordination of the various project stakeholders (clients, external service providers, subcontractors, etc.).

4. Business Development and Commercial Activities

Represent the civil engineering team and support business development in civil engineering-related activities.

  • Manage client relationships, address customer inquiries, and attend industry events.

  • Lead the preparation of proposals, negotiate contracts and secure projects, developing long-term partnerships to support business growth.

PROFILE

Education

  • Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.

Experience

  • 8-15+ years in civil engineering, preferably with a focus on infrastructure projects or renewable energy installations.

Languages

  • Fluency in English is essential.

Technical skills

  • Proficiency in design and analysis tools such as RFEM, Solome MECA or equivalent, and AutoCAD.

  • Ideally, experience in the design of steel structure and/or photovoltaic projects;

  • Additional expertise in construction and/or development would be appreciated.

Soft skills

  • Good writing skills, ability to write technical reports and commercial offers.

  • A passion for sustainability and innovation in renewable energy

You must have a valid permit to work in France or EU

You are interested in this job offer

Please fill out the form below by attaching your resume and cover letter.