Location: Tokyo, Japan

Position Summary:

Vertex is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the development and execution of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and energy infrastructure projects in Japan. This role will oversee all phases from development to commercial operation, ensuring projects meet financial, technical, and regulatory requirements while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

The Project Manager will report to the Project Department Director (line manager) and the BESS Business Development Manager (functional manager).

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as company’s primary representative to shareholders, partners, lenders, and government agencies (e.g., METI, TSOs).
• Build and maintain relationships with off-takers, contractors, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment with Japan’s energy regulations and market dynamics.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Enforce Vertex Energy’s HSE standards across all project phases (contractors, subcontractors, and onsite personnel).
• Allocate resources to meet safety and compliance objectives.

Financial & Commercial Oversight

• Manage project budgets, CAPEX/OPEX, and cash flow to ensure ROI aligns with the financial model.
• Lead financing execution, including equity partnerships, lender due diligence, and agreements (MoUs, JDAs, SHAs).
• Oversee revenue stream planning (contracted and merchant-exposed).

Development Phase

• Collaborate with the BESS Business Development Manager to advance projects to Final Investment Decision (FID).
• Secure permits, grid interconnection approvals, and environmental/social compliance (IFC standards).
• Lead EPC, O&M, and BESS supplier selection in coordination with global technical teams.

Execution Phase

• Supervise construction, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with no compromise on quality or safety.
• Manage risk contingency plans and milestone tracking.
• Ensure smooth handover to operations teams, including O&M strategy implementation.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work with legal, technical, and procurement teams to mitigate risks and optimize project outcomes.
• Report progress to corporate leadership, lenders, and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Experience:
  • 5+ years in energy project development/investment (BESS, microgrids, or power generation).
  • Proven track record delivering large-scale infrastructure projects (>50MW preferred).
  • Expertise in Japan’s energy regulations, TSO processes, and permitting.
• Skills:
  • Financial acumen (project finance, CAPEX/OPEX control).
  • Fluent in Japanese and English (written and oral).
  • Strong negotiation and stakeholder management.

Preferred

• Experience with EPC contract negotiation and lender due diligence.
• Knowledge of merchant energy markets and revenue optimization.
• Willingness to travel frequently to project sites and government offices.