Project Manager - Substation

Job Description

The Project Manager (Substation) is responsible for leading the PMC oversight and delivery of the Airport Substation and Medium Voltage Network Modernization Project, ensuring successful execution of all engineering, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning activities. The role is responsible for managing project performance, stakeholder coordination, technical governance, and compliance with regulatory, operational, and safety requirements while maintaining uninterrupted airport operations. The position serves as the primary interface between the client, contractors, regulatory authorities, and project stakeholders to ensure the safe, timely, and cost-effective delivery of critical power infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Management

• Lead PMC activities for EPC/LSTK contractor execution of a new 34.5/13.8kV airport substation and MV network modernization project.
• Manage project scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, and stakeholder coordination.
• Review and approve project execution plans, design execution plans, procurement plans, and construction methodologies.
• Monitor project milestones, progress reporting, risk management, and contract compliance.
• Interface with Airport Operations, Engineering, IT, Cybersecurity, HSSE, SEC, Matarat, and external stakeholders.
• Chair weekly and monthly project review meetings.
• Informs themselves of the relevant Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Policies, Manuals, and Procedures in place within Hill International, and ensures continued compliance with these requirements while employed by Hill.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Director or line manager.

Engineering Management

• Manage and review all detailed engineering submissions at 60%, 90%, and IFC stages.
• Review FEED verification reports and ensure compliance with project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with SEC standards, Saudi Building Code, IEC, IEEE, NFPA, and airport operational requirements.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering reviews involving:
  • Electrical
  • Civil & Structural
  • Mechanical & HVAC
  • Fire Protection
  • Communications
  • SCADA/ADMS
  • Cybersecurity systems
• Review technical queries (TQs), design deviations, value engineering proposals, and constructability studies.

Electrical Systems Oversight

• Provide technical leadership for:
• Substations
• 34.5kV Metal-Clad Switchgear
• 13.8kV Metal-Clad Switchgear
• Busbar Systems
• Protection & Control Systems
• Auxiliary AC/DC Systems
• Battery Banks and Chargers
• Station Service Transformers
• Transformers
• 30/40MVA 34.5/13.8kV Power Transformers
• 20/26.6MVA 34.5/13.8kV Power Transformers
• Oil-Filled Distribution Transformers
• Dry-Type Distribution Transformers
• Distribution Network
• 34.5kV Distribution Loops
• 13.8kV Distribution Loops
• Automated Smart RMUs
• Underground Duct Banks
• Utility Tunnel Cable Routing
• Cable Terminations and Jointing
• LV Systems
• Main Distribution Boards
• Automatic Transfer Schemes
• Emergency Power Systems
• UPS Integration

Power System Studies & Protection

• Review and approve:
  • ETAP Studies
  • Load Flow Analysis
  • Short Circuit Analysis
  • Arc Flash Studies
  • Harmonic Analysis
  • Relay Coordination Studies
  • Motor Starting Studies
  • Grounding Studies
• Validate protection philosophies and relay settings.
• Ensure system reliability and N-1 redundancy requirements are achieved.
• Review SCADA integration and operational control strategies.

Construction & Site Supervision

• Oversee site construction activities including:
  • Substation buildings
  • Transformers
  • RMUs
  • MV/LV cable installation
  • Utility tunnel works
  • HDD crossings
  • Duct banks
  • Earthing systems
  • Fire protection systems
• Ensure airport operations are maintained without disruption during construction.
• Manage outage planning, switching programs, and energization activities.
• Verify compliance with approved IFC drawings and method statements.

Testing, Commissioning & Energization

• Witness Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
• Witness Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Review commissioning procedures and energization plans.
• Lead integrated testing of:
  • Transformers
  • Switchgear
  • Protection Relays
  • RMUs
  • SCADA Systems
  • Communication Networks
• Ensure successful cutover and transition to operational systems.
• Coordinate with the SEC and Airport Operations for energization approvals.

Risk & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain the project risk register.
• Lead monthly risk workshops.
• Manage constructability reviews and interface management plans.
• Coordinate with:
• SEC
• National Grid
• Airport Operations
• IT & Cybersecurity
• Airside Operations
• Utility Authorities
• Consultants and Contractors

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Master's Degree in Power Systems Engineering preferred.
• Minimum 15-20 years of experience in Electrical Power Infrastructure Projects.
• Minimum 10 years in Project Management or PMC roles. 5 years in the Airport major projects
• Must have Professional certifications: Saudi Council of Engineers Registration. PMP Certification preferred. PE/Chartered Engineer preferred.
• Experienced in:
  
  • 69kV/34.5kV/13.8kV substations
  • Airport electrical infrastructure
  • SEC utility projects
  • Transmission and distribution systems
  • SCADA and automation systems
• Proven experience delivering EPC/LSTK substation projects above 34.5kV.
• Technical Skills:
  
  • Software
  • ETAP
  • AutoCAD
  • BIM/Revit
  • Primavera P6
  • MS Project
  • Power BI
• Standards Knowledge:
  
  • SEC Standards (TMSS, SDCS, SDMS), IEC 60076, IEC 62271, IEEE 80, EEE 1584
  • NFPA 70
  • NFPA 72
  • SBC
  • ICAO Annex 14

About Us

Hill International, with more than 4,300+ professionals in over 100 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management, project management oversight, advisory, facilities management, and other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News-Record magazine recently ranked Hill as one of the largest program management firms in the world. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at

Hill is exclusively a program, project, and construction management provider, meaning we have one focus as a company: protecting client interests. Free of any potential conflicts, our entire business is geared towards helping clients achieve their desired outcomes. We are dedicated to exceeding expectations throughout the entire construction project lifecycle and adapt to the needs of each assignment to develop tailored approaches and solutions to meet those needs.

Hill is a GISI Consulting Group company, part of the Global Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. (GISI) family of companies. Learn more about GISI Consulting Group at

Hill International is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Disabled

Note: This job description is intended to provide an indication of the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions to be carried out as part of fulfilling the role mentioned in the job title. Various other duties as required.