Construction Manager - Substation

Job Purpose

To lead and manage all construction activities for substation and electrical infrastructure projects, ensuring safe, on-schedule, and on-budget delivery of AIS/GIS substations, transformers, switchgear, and SCADA/automation systems from mobilization through commissioning and handover.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Site Management

• Plan, direct, and supervise all on-site construction activities for substation projects (new build, upgrade, or retrofit).
• Develop and maintain construction schedules, work sequences, and resource plans in coordination with planning/scheduling teams.
• Monitor progress against baseline schedule; identify delays and implement recovery plans.
• Manage multiple work fronts including civil, structural, electrical, and control & instrumentation activities.

Technical Oversight

• Oversee installation, erection, testing, and commissioning of AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear) and GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) systems.
• Supervise installation and testing of power/distribution transformers, switchgear panels, circuit breakers, and protection systems.
• Coordinate SCADA, RTU, and control system installation, integration, and commissioning with automation teams.
• Review and approve method statements, ITPs (Inspection & Test Plans), and technical submittals related to electrical works.
• Liaise with design engineers to resolve site queries, interface issues, and drawing discrepancies.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all construction activities comply with HSE standards, statutory regulations, and project-specific safety plans.
• Enforce quality control procedures in line with IEC/IEEE/national standards and client specifications.
• Conduct/participate in site inspections, factory acceptance tests (FAT), and site acceptance tests (SAT).
• Ensure compliance with permit-to-work systems, especially for HV switching and energized works.

Contract, Cost & Resource Management

• Manage subcontractors, vendors, and site labor to ensure productivity and adherence to project specifications.
• Monitor construction costs against budget; report variances and support change order management.
• Coordinate material and equipment logistics, ensuring timely availability on site.
• Prepare progress reports, look-ahead schedules, and updates for management and client review.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as primary point of contact on site for client representatives, consultants, and regulatory authorities during inspections and approvals.
• Coordinate with utility/grid authorities for outages, tie-ins, and energization approvals.
• Lead or participate in site progress meetings, HSE meetings, and technical coordination meetings.

Commissioning & Handover

• Support pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, including energization sequences.
• Ensure as-built documentation, test records, and O&M manuals are compiled for handover.
• Manage punch list closure and facilitate smooth transition to operations.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (mandatory).
• Master's degree or PMP/relevant PM certification is a plus.

Experience

• 10–12+ years of experience in electrical construction/project execution, with significant exposure to substation projects (132kV/220KV/400kV)
• Hands-on experience with AIS and GIS substation construction and commissioning.
• Strong background in power/distribution transformers (installation, testing, oil filtration, commissioning).
• Experience with HV/MV switchgear installation and testing.
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems, RTUs, and substation automation/control systems.
• Proven track record managing site teams, subcontractors, and multi-discipline coordination.