Project Director

The organisation

Momentum Capital is an independent private equity firm that was founded by – and for – influential entrepreneurs. By taking majority stakes in unlisted companies, Momentum Capital supports the formation of companies that contribute to solutions for large-scale problems related to energy consumption, urban housing, and leisure. An entrepreneurial company with a proven track record of successful investments. The activities are international, with participations and partnerships in growth markets in Europe, Latin America and the United States.

One of the participations of Momentum is CEG, which stands for Clean Electricity Generation. CEG is an energy innovation company. The company has developed patented technology with which bio carbon products are produced from woody biomass by means of the torrefaction process. This creates a business economically interesting biofuel with a high energy density. The biocoal in the form of pellets can be used for either co-firing or replacement in traditional coal-fired plants, but also for industrial heating processes, buildings or city district heating projects. Customers can thus substantially reduce their CO2 output without major investments.

Compared to traditional sustainable alternatives, the energy value is higher and less storage and transport is needed, resulting in lower costs.

The technology has been in R&D operation since 2013, was tested on laboratory scale and is now in production operation mode. CEG has realized its first plant with two full scale production lines in Derby (UK).

The position

The next plant will be built in Estonia (www.baltania.ee). This will be the first plant to be operated by an external customer on a commercial basis, which is obviously an important project for CEG’s next milestone. In order to manage this project in a proper way – on time, within budget – there is the need on short notice for an experienced Project Director.

Tasks & responsibilities

The process design and the construction of the factory in Derby has been realized with CEG’s own team under its own management. The engineering and construction of new plants is outsourced to a preferred EPC contractor, with whom essential knowledge is shared. The Project Director will become responsible for the turn key delivery of working plants. To start with  Estonia, later on in other locations and countries. His responsibility will comprise the availability of a suitable land lot, obtaining permits, site preparation including utilities, procurement and contracting, plant design, engineering of buildings, installations and equipment, construction and commissioning. Once the plant is commissioned and will be put into operation, another Momentum company will take care of the operation of the plant.

The Baltania plant will have an annual capacity of 200,000 tonnes and is expected to be operating in 18 months from now. The total investment is estimated for approximately € 60 million. Preparations are in full swing (site preparation is ready), but there is an urgent need for someone who can manage the full scope on behalf of CEG. He will define and assemble his own project team, with maximum use of knowledge and capacity within CEG, the contractor and the future operator.

The strategy is focused on licensing the usage of CEG’s technology, for which turn-key production plants will be developed for third parties. The geographical focus is at those locations in the world where biomass is competitively available and sale in the region is possible. Smart use of subsidy schemes can help to increase the feasibility and profitability of projects. The development of additional new plants is well underway. Once the Baltania project does not require your full attention any more, you will start up the next project.

In this position you will report to the company’s COO/CFO. Furthermore, you maintain close ties with CEG’s launching customer and future operator of the plant, Baltania OÜ.

The position is based in Amsterdam, but frequent travelling will be involved (depending on the project proceedings). In order to develop relevant knowledge in the organization, it is CEG’s preference that candidates will be employed on a permanent contract. However, candidates who want to work project based are invited to show their interest as well.

Candidate profile

You should at least have a solid track record in managing multidisciplinary industrial EPC projects. You preferably developed within large and professional organizations, with a global playing field. However, you also should feel more comfortable in a young company with an entrepreneurial spirit. This requires the flexible combination of a hands-on attitude with strong managerial skills.

A technical background is a need, in-depth knowledge of torrefaction is not required. Experience in managing power plant projects is advantageous. Seasoned experience in pragmatic risk management and stakeholder management is an absolute necessity in this role. Building relations with all relevant stakeholders and informing them about project progress is key in this position.

To be able to successfully fulfil this challenging role, you should have the right personality and competencies, to wit: self-starting ability, perseverance, contract skills, focused on collaboration, leadership skills and a good networker. A big ego is not appreciated, the mentality is to the point and down to earth. Furthermore, you are a skilled communicator and able to smoothly communicate with different professional backgrounds, cultures, levels of expertise, etc.

You are fluent in English, a good command of Dutch is a recommendation.

The offer

CEG holds the intellectual rights to a proven technology with great potential in the sustainable energy market. Managing the first commercial project(s) for CEG in an international setting is a challenging opportunity.

Interested?

If you are interested in this position please click the link below. For more information please contact the consultant in charge Jan Willem Houtman, +31 (0)346 87 00 20.