Role Overview
We are seeking an accomplished Executive Director – EPC Contracting & Project Performance to oversee the commercial, contractual, and performance aspects of international EPC projects, with a focus on thermal power plant and energy infrastructure developments in emerging and frontier markets.
Operating through our Singapore-based contracting platform, this role provides leadership across the full EPC project lifecycle, from contract negotiation and risk allocation through execution oversight and performance management. The position serves as a key person between project owners, EPC execution teams, subcontractors, and the China headquarters to ensure projects are delivered in accordance with contractual commitments, schedule objectives, and cost targets.
This role is suited to a seasoned EPC executive with strong engineering, project management, and commercial capabilities, who is comfortable operating across multiple international projects and stakeholders.
The successful candidate will have extensive experience in international EPC environments, proven negotiation skills with both clients and subcontractors, and the willingness to undertake frequent travel to project locations across Africa and Asia.
Key Responsibilities
1. EPC Contract Negotiation & Risk Management
Lead and oversee EPC contract negotiations with clients, consortium partners, and other stakeholders, covering commercial, technical, legal, and risk-related matters.
Establish and manage contractual risk allocation, including scope definition, schedule commitments, performance guarantees, payment mechanisms, liquidated damages, variation provisions, and termination clauses.
Ensure contracts are structured in accordance with international EPC standards and best practices, including FIDIC principles, and are executable, bankable, and aligned with project financing requirements.
Identify, assess, and mitigate political, legal, financial, execution, payment, and country-specific risks associated with overseas EPC projects.
Coordinate with legal counsel, technical specialists, financial advisors, insurers, and external consultants during contract structuring and negotiations.
Support dispute resolution and develop and implement claim strategies
2. Project Execution Oversight & Performance Management
Provide strategic oversight and performance management across international EPC projects, supervising project execution to ensure the achievement of contractual, schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
Conduct high-level supervision and monitoring of master project schedules (Level 1 plans), key milestones, and critical path activities.
Review project performance indicators and identify emerging risks requiring management intervention.
Oversee contract compliance, cost performance, cash flow status, and change management processes from a portfolio perspective.
Review major project decisions, including:
Schedule recovery and mitigation plans;
Variation and cost management strategies;
Claims management approaches and dispute resolution strategies.
Facilitate alignment between project teams and senior management to support timely decision-making and successful project delivery.
3. Financial, Cost & Financing Interface Management
Monitor project-level financial performance, including cash flow requirements and payment security arrangements.
Monitor that project execution remains aligned with approved financial assumptions and lender requirements.
Coordinate with finance teams, lenders, insurers, and advisors regarding financing matters, refinancing initiatives, and financial risk mitigation measures.
Monitor funding costs, foreign exchange exposures, and other financial indicators affecting project performance.
Support initiatives aimed at protecting project profitability and enhancing commercial outcomes.
4. Stakeholder & Commercial Management
Project owners, employers, and client representatives;
EPC project execution teams;
Subcontractors and key suppliers;
Lenders and financial institutions;
Legal advisors, insurers, and consultants;
Joint venture and consortium partners.
Establish effective communication channels and governance mechanisms among key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Build and maintain strong working relationships to facilitate collaboration, transparency, and timely issue resolution.
Support senior management in strategic discussions related to major projects and commercial opportunities.
5. Governance & Leadership
Promote sound governance practices across the international project portfolio.
Establish appropriate reporting mechanisms to provide management with clear visibility of project performance, risks, and critical decisions.
Provide guidance and mentorship to project teams in areas of contract management, risk management, and commercial administration.
Foster a culture of accountability, proactive risk management, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, or a related discipline.
Additional qualifications in business administration, law, finance, or project management will be advantageous.
Professional Experience
Minimum 15 years of experience in engineering, construction, EPC, or energy infrastructure organisations.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in senior leadership positions (e.g. Executive Director, General Manager, Vice President, Project Director, Commercial Director, Contracts Director, or equivalent)
Proven track record in:
EPC contract negotiation and administration;
Risk identification and mitigation within international EPC environments;
Performance management of large-scale EPC projects;
Commercial and stakeholder management across multiple jurisdictions.
Extensive experience in thermal power generation or energy infrastructure projects is highly preferred.
Strong familiarity with FIDIC and international EPC contracting models.
Experience working on overseas projects, particularly within Africa and Asia, including emerging and frontier markets.
Exposure to project financing structures, lender requirements, export credit arrangements, and related commercial considerations is highly desirable.
Core Competencies
EPC Contract & Risk Management
Strong capability to structure, negotiate, administer, and manage complex EPC contracts while effectively mitigating commercial and execution risks.
Project Performance & Governance
Deep understanding of EPC project execution and the governance mechanisms required to achieve successful project outcomes across international environments.
Financial & Commercial Acumen
Well-developed awareness of cost drivers, cash flow implications, financing considerations, and value protection strategies.
Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
Proven ability to negotiate effectively with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and strategic partners while maintaining long-term business relationships.
Leadership & Decision-Making
Ability to operate effectively at a senior management level, exercising sound judgment in complex and high-pressure situations.
International & Cross-Cultural Communication
Demonstrated effectiveness in working across different cultures, regions, and organisational structures.
Language Requirements
Fluent in English and Mandarin.
Ability to conduct contract negotiations, commercial discussions, and executive-level stakeholder communications in both languages.
Travel Requirements
Willingness and ability to undertake frequent international travel to project sites and stakeholder locations across Africa and Asia, typically 6-8 times annually, depending on business needs.
Travel may involve participation in contract negotiations, project reviews, client meetings, subcontractor engagements, and strategic discussions with project stakeholders.
Flexibility to travel at short notice when required by project or business needs.
Why Join Us
Opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the success of large-scale international energy infrastructure projects.
Exposure to challenging and high-impact projects across diverse markets in Africa and Asia.
Executive-level position with significant influence over commercial outcomes and project performance.
Dynamic international environment offering close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and global stakeholders.
Platform to apply strategic thinking, commercial expertise, and leadership capabilities in a growing international EPC business.
