Hydrogen Project Manager I - Hydrogen Solutions (EX2/CL4)

Job Purpose

At Honda, our Energy Business Unit is dedicated to shaping the future of energy products and services amidst rapid technological and social changes. We are committed to achieving Honda's Triple Zero goals of 100% carbon-neutral products, 100% resource circularity, and 100% use of clean energy by building a capable, knowledgeable, and engaged team.

Hydrogen solutions are emerging as a pivotal decarbonization technology and a significant business opportunity for Honda. Our goal is to drive the mass commercialization and widespread adoption of fuel cell technologies, integrating them into various applications from vehicles to stationary power systems.

As a Project Manager within the Hydrogen Solutions team, you will play a crucial role in overseeing and executing projects centered around integrating fuel cell modules into stationary and mobile power applications. Your primary responsibility will be to accelerate the adoption of clean and sustainable energy solutions through internal and external proof-of-concept projects, supporting the development of new business models and future sales.

This role involves managing and executing projects focused on fuel cell integration, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes. You will engage with customers to understand their needs, provide project updates, and ensure satisfaction. Collaboration with suppliers, utilities, vendors, contractors, and installation teams is essential to source components and coordinate on-site activities. Working with regulatory authorities to obtain necessary approvals and ensure compliance is also a critical part of this role.

Internally, you will collaborate with various teams, including Engineering, Sales, Operations, Finance, Marketing, and R&D, to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business goals. You will also interface with regulators, legislators, and industry associations to influence policy and regulatory frameworks that support hydrogen products and services. This includes engaging with organizations such as the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, US Department of Energy, and state energy commissions.

Effective communication and coordination with all stakeholders are vital to ensuring alignment on project objectives and progress. You will maintain clear and effective communication, ensuring that all project stakeholders are informed and aligned with project objectives and progress.

Honda is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable mobility solutions through our Triple Action to Zero approach. As a Project Manager in the Hydrogen Solutions team, you will have a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to Honda's clean energy initiatives. Join us in pioneering a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.     
 

Key Accountabilities

• Project Planning (35%): Lead hydrogen/fuel cell projects from start to finish. Collaborate across teams, aligning with Honda's goals. Utilize AGILE for adaptability and continuous improvement. Maintain detailed plans, schedules, and budgets, proactively managing risks. Handle RFI/RFP processes with clear documentation. Manage RASIC for clear roles and progress tracking. Evaluate projects post-completion to refine future endeavors.

• Stakeholder Management (20%): Build robust relationships with all stakeholders, serve as the main contact for project queries, and maintain high satisfaction. Conduct regular meetings for transparent updates to all parties. Work closely with customers to meet their needs and resolve issues. Coordinate effectively with suppliers and vendors for seamless project delivery.
• Technical Expertise (10%): Collaborate with Engineering for fuel cell integration in power systems. Monitor hydrogen tech trends via industry partnerships. Contribute to marketing with case studies highlighting fuel cell benefits. Partner with R&D to advance technology and optimize solutions.
• External Communications:
  • Regulatory: Liaise with authorities for approvals, ensuring compliance and supporting market growth.
  • Safety & Quality: Oversee safety and quality to deliver reliable, safe projects.
  • Sales Support: Aid sales engineers, promote products, and explore new project opportunities.
  • Business Development: Collaborate with partners for business expansion.
• Financial Management (10%) budget development with finance teams, monitor expenditures for cost-effectiveness, and prepare financial reports. You will be involved in managing project costs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, overseeing subcontractor financials, and conducting risk assessments to mitigate financial exposure.
• Risk Management: (5%) Identify potential project, supply chain, compliance, and market risks. This will include developing strategies to mitigate impact and ensuring continuity. Additionally, it entails proactive monitoring and adjustment of plans to address new risks. This approach is crucial for maintaining project integrity and success.
• Continuous Improvement (5%):  Continuously evaluate project processes and outcomes to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Training and Development (5%) Compile and develop training materials and standard operating procedures for external stakeholders, including suppliers, vendors, and installation teams, ensuring consistency and quality in project execution.  Provide external partners with the necessary resources and guidance to support successful project implementation and adherence to Honda's standards and protocols.

Note: The time allocation percentages provided are approximate and can vary based on project demands, organizational priorities, and specific project phases. The percentages are intended to give a general idea of the key areas of responsibility and the relative time commitment associated with each category.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Education:

• BA/BS in Engineering, Business, Sustainability, or equivalent work experience. Relevant fields include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, or Project Management

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in project management, preferably in the energy sector or related industries. Experience with energy generation, power systems, microgrid integrations, electric vehicle developments, or fuel cell integrations is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing end-to-end project delivery, including planning, execution, and post-project evaluations.
• Capability in drafting and reviewing contracts, agreements, and detailed scopes of work.
• Proficiency with ms office (powerpoint, excel, word) and project management tools.
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and subcontractors, including handling rfis and rfps.
• Solid understanding of risk management, financial oversight, and budget tracking for large-scale projects.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and safety standards in the energy sector.

Desired Skills:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams toward achieving project objectives.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects with technical, business, policy, and operational considerations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, enabling effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to make well-informed decisions in high-pressure situations. Ability to navigate complex technical concepts and market structures to recommend clear paths for project execution.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate project documentation and reporting.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and a commitment to maintaining a high standard of quality in project deliverables.
• Technical orientation and understanding of hydrogen fuel cells and energy systems or experience with renewable energy technologies, or zero emission vehicles is a plus.
• Knowledge of honda operations, including planning, r&d, manufacturing, sales, quality, service, and customer support.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and contract negotiations.
• Experience functioning in an agile project team as a product owner, scrum master, or person-in-charge of a functional area for a project.
• Certification such as pmp, prince2, or apm is preferred.
• Working knowledge of project management software tools and techniques, as well as experience with financial reporting and cost management.
   

Working Conditions

• Remote Work and Office Collaboration: 50% - Includes working remotely from home or other locations to manage project planning, communications, and administrative tasks. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, attending virtual meetings, and participating in project discussions remotely. Utilizing digital tools and communication platforms for virtual collaboration.

• On-Site Visits and Travel: 40% - Involves traveling to customer locations, project sites, and company offices for project oversight, stakeholder engagement, and on-site assessments. Conducting inspections, monitoring project progress, and coordinating with on-site teams and integrators. Traveling to attend industry events, conferences, and meetings as required.

• Administrative and Planning Activities: 10% -Dedicates time to administrative tasks, including project documentation, budget tracking, and reporting. Planning project timelines, milestones, and resource allocations. Reviewing project progress, evaluating risks.

Note:  Time allocation percentages provided are approximate and can vary based on project demands, organizational priorities, and specific project phases. The percentages are intended to give a general idea of the key areas of responsibility and the relative time commitment associated with each category.