Location: London or Edinburgh
Job Summary
The Assistant Project Manager (APM) will play a pivotal role in bridging communication between the UK project team and the technical organization in China. Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin) is essential for facilitating technical discussions, ensuring accurate information exchange, and coordinating project deliverables.
The APM will also serve as a project engineer, supporting the Project Manager by conducting risk reviews, collaborating closely with the developer’s project engineer or deputy PM, and assisting in preparing project reports and organizing documentation.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Coordination & Communication
* Act to facilitate liaising with Project Manager and technical teams in China, ensuring clear communication of project requirements, technical specifications, and updates.
* Facilitate virtual meetings and workshops involving UK and China-based teams, support in bridging between the teams.
Project Engineering Support
* Collaborate with engineering departments to gather and validate technical information, ensuring compliance with project scope and regulatory standards.
* Assist in reviewing technical drawings, specifications, and documentation for accuracy and feasibility.
* Coordinate with the developer’s project engineer or deputy PM to address technical queries and align on project milestones.
Risk Review & Mitigation
* Support the Project Manager in identifying and evaluating project risks, including technical, schedule, and commercial risks.
* Organize and participate in risk review sessions, documenting outcomes and follow-up actions.
* Work with cross-functional teams (HSE, Quality, Engineering) to implement risk mitigation strategies and track their effectiveness.
Project Organization & Reporting
* Prepare project status reports, presentations, and dashboards for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring data accuracy and timely submission.
* Organize and maintain project documentation in line with established document control procedures, adapting global systems to local needs when necessary.
* Keep track of project deliverables, milestones, and dependencies, alerting the Project Manager to potential delays or issues.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Foster strong relationships with the developer’s teams, suppliers, and other external stakeholders, acting as a key point of contact for technical queries and coordination.
* Support client meetings, site visits, and technical discussions, ensuring alignment on project objectives.
* Promote a collaborative environment that embraces cultural differences and encourages open communication.
System Adaptation & Process Improvement
* Evaluate existing project management processes from the parent company in China and contribute to adapting them for the UK/EU context.
* Offer insights to improve project workflows, communication channels, and technical interfaces.
* Encourage innovation and efficiency by identifying and implementing best practices in project engineering and coordination.
Professional Development & Learning
* Stay updated on emerging trends in wind turbine technology, offshore construction, and project management methodologies.
* Seek opportunities to enhance cross-cultural communication skills and deepen understanding of Chinese and European business practices.
* Proactively learn from senior team members, contributing to the growth and success of the UK branch.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
* Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical field.
* Additional certifications (e.g., CAPM, PRINCE2 Foundation, APM PFQ) or relevant project management training are advantageous.
Experience:
* 2+ years of experience in a project coordination, project engineering, or junior project management role, ideally in the renewable energy or infrastructure sectors.
* Proven experience working on cross-cultural or international projects, particularly involving Chinese and Western teams.
Language Skills:
* Fluency in Mandarin Chinese (written and spoken) is essential.
* Proficient in English with strong communication skills.
Technical Skills:
* Basic understanding of wind turbine technology, offshore construction, or related engineering principles is preferred.
* Competency in standard project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel, Teams) and engineering documentation platforms.
Soft Skills:
* Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication style to different stakeholders.
* Strong organizational and time-management abilities, capable of juggling multiple tasks and deadlines.
* A collaborative and open-minded approach, demonstrating willingness to learn from diverse cultures and business practices.