Project Manager - Waterways

Job Title: Project Manager - Waterways
Job level: Director level (expat preferred)
Project Location: Pakil, Laguna

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Project Manager – Waterways is responsible for overseeing the construction and delivery of the largest pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in the Philippines - major water conveyance structures within a hydropower dam or pumped storage project, including headrace tunnels, penstocks, tailrace channels, and spillways. This role ensures the successful implementation of all civil, structural, and hydraulic elements of the waterway systems, in line with engineering standards, schedule, and safety regulations.

This role requires significant technical and project leadership experience in hydropower water conveyance systems and working in complex geotechnical and topographical environments.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Lead planning, execution, and monitoring of all waterway structures, including headrace tunnels, penstocks, surge shafts, and tailrace outlets.
• Coordinate with design teams, tunneling/underground engineers, civil works contractors, and electro-mechanical teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Manage contractors and ensure performance in terms of safety, quality, progress, and cost.
• Oversee interface management across different project disciplines to avoid conflicts in construction sequences.
• Ensure strict compliance with engineering specifications, hydraulic design parameters, and geotechnical risk mitigation plans.
• Review and approve work methods, risk assessments, construction drawings, and schedule updates.
• Monitor progress through site inspections, reporting tools, and construction dashboards.
• Lead resolution of technical and site issues affecting waterway works.
• Support testing and commissioning planning of completed structures.
• Maintain consistent communication with senior management, designers, and site teams to ensure alignment.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; PRC license preferred.  
• Minimum 25 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, with 10 years in hydropower waterway systems.
• Familiarity with tunneling (NATM/TBM), high-pressure conduit design, and geotechnical constraints.
• Strong project planning, contractor management, and coordination skills.
• Proficient in MS Project, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Primavera P6, and report generation tools.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work under pressure in site based conditions.
• Proven experience in water conveyance systems for hydropower or pumped storage projects.
• Willingness to be deployed 100% onsite; Accommodation is provided

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.