General Manager Technical Solar

At Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) we are leading the global energy transition by developing a portfolio of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects.

Our large scale, low-cost hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind assets will support establishment of green energy and green product industries around the world.

FFI is committed to building thriving communities by delivering social, environmental and economic benefits.

General Manager Technical Solar

Work Location:  Perth 

Roster: Monday to Friday

The General Manager Technical Solar is a senior leadership role with responsibility for a critical function in Fortescue’s growth agenda and decarbonisation pathway.  Initially reporting to the Director of Green Industry the General Manager Technical Solar will have overall responsibility for the development, manufacture and commercialisation of Fortescue’s solar business; and research into the best methodologies and technologies to manufacture key product components.

Key accountabilities will include:

• Lead the development of the strategy for the Solar business including prioritising the development of relevant partnerships and technologies
• Develop and implement the vision, strategy and roadmap for solar technology and R&D that delivers profitable growth and market penetration.  This vision must be broad, not limited to any one technology platform
• Develop and deliver the cost and performance roadmap over short term as well as long term and drive outcomes to achieve FFI schedules
• Provide value based leadership to create and maintain differentiation
• Establish Solar Technology and R&D fit for purpose systems and processes
• Provide financial forecasts indicative of Risk and FFI schedules
• Attract, retain and develop talent in the solar technology organisation
• Drive the culture of ownership and accountability in formulating and implementing the technology plans
• Manage and build key relationships with key research centres, academic institutes, and reputed laboratories in the solar technology sector
• Introduce new approaches to technology development that will significantly impact growth
• Assess, analyse, and adapt new technology platforms in the sector that could further enhance Fortescue’s competitive advantage

Qualifications and skills required:

• Deep experience and competence in existing, new and innovative solar technologies
• Good working knowledge of all steps in the solar conversion process
• Experience in leading solar technology equipment design and modifications, quantitative new process development, technology transfer to HVM, and process simulations
• A thorough understanding of critical unit operations
• Familiarity with analytical methods to ensure quality
• Ability to deliver commercialization from concepts and quantify commercial value to drive decisions
• Experience in developing fit for purpose processes and technologies and provide complete turnkey solution
• Assess risk and develop risk adjusted development plans
• A strong commercial awareness that will impact and influence the performance and effectiveness
• Tenacity to deliver difficult projects and judgment to terminate unproductive projects
• General understanding of the Renewable Energy domain to make proper decisions within a larger energy ecosystem
• Track record of building and developing successful teams
• Proven ability to drive R&D outcomes to achieve schedules
• Develop Solar Technology and R&D fit for purpose systems and processes 
• Ability to communicate technical Solar and R&D detail to non-technical stakeholders and decision makers
• Good knowledge of financial forecasting reflecting technology specific risk and commercialisation schedules

Our values drive our culture and performance through a strong focus on safety, family and determination. We celebrate and respect people’s differences and commit to providing an inclusive work environment. This is an exciting time to join Fortescue.

We encourage Aboriginal Australians and female candidates to apply.

www.fmgl.com.au/jobs-at-fortescue

Fortescue reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified