Senior) Project Manager – Auxiliary Control System Upgrade HVDC (m/f/d)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the international caracter of the rol, only freelancers (direct or offer through a supplier) are an option for this position!

PLEASE NOTE: We no longer work with a ZZP Indirect construction within TenneT. This will be a fee-only construction (after 12 monthts, the fee only contract will end) where € 1,45 of the margin is retained from the supplier.

Introduction
At TenneT, we work on the electricity grid of tomorrow. As a Senior Project Manager – Auxiliary Control System Upgrade HVDC, you play a crucial role in delivering a future‑proof energy supply. Through your expertise, you make a direct contribution to maintaining and upgrading offshore electricity infrastructure that keeps the Netherlands powered — today and tomorrow.

About TenneT, unit, department and team
TenneT is a leading European Transmission System Operator and a key player in the energy transition. With more than 23,500 kilometres of high‑voltage connections and nearly 5,000 employees, we ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply in the Netherlands and large parts of Germany.
You will be working within Grid Field Operations Offshore Netherlands, which is responsible for the safe, reliable, and future‑proof operation and maintenance of existing offshore grid connection systems and interconnectors. You operate in an international and multidisciplinary environment where technical excellence, cooperation, and safety are paramount.
The projects you manage directly contribute to securing energy supply and mitigating operational, technological, and cyber‑security risks within TenneT’s offshore HVDC systems.

The role
How do you keep the Netherlands powered?
As a Senior Project Manager Auxiliary Control System Upgrade for HVDC systems, you are responsible for planning, executing, and closing complex upgrade and replacement projects for Auxiliary Control Systems of existing offshore grid connections and interconnectors.
The primary objective of this role is to successfully deliver system upgrades and replacements — including IT and OT infrastructure and hardware — to mitigate risks related to OEM end‑of‑support and cyber‑security threats, while ensuring safety, quality, budget, schedule, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Your key responsibilities include:
• Leading and coordinating interdisciplinary project teams throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Planning, executing, and closing upgrade and replacement projects for Auxiliary Control Systems.
• Managing interfaces and close cooperation with internal and external stakeholders, including grid connection execution teams, supply chain, and technical specialists.
• Ensuring compliance with permits, regulations, technical specifications, project governance frameworks, and contractual requirements.
• Preparing, maintaining, and reporting required project management documentation such as schedules, progress reports, and risk registers.
• Actively managing project risks and opportunities.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of project governance and project management tools.
• Acting as a mentor and sparring partner for junior project managers.

You work extensively with internal and external stakeholders in an international setting and are confident navigating complex stakeholder environments.

What do you bring?
• A completed Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Management, or a comparable technical or scientific field.
• Several years of experience as a project manager delivering complex infrastructure projects, preferably in the high‑voltage electrical and/or offshore industry.
• Knowledge of the EU tendering and procurement process.
• Experience in one or more of the following technical domains:
• High‑voltage auxiliary systems
• Process Control Systems (e.g. Yokogawa, ABB 800xA, Siemens PCS7)
• Mechanical and process systems such as transformers, switchgear, HVAC, fire‑fighting systems, PAGA, CCTV, water and drainage systems, analyzers, LV, and/or UPS
• Network architectures in line with the Purdue model / ISA‑99 and the interfaces between IT and OT infrastructures
• A valid project management certification, such as PMP or IPMA D (or higher).
• Comfortable working in VUCA environments, with the ability to adapt communication to different audiences.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills, including the ability to balance and resolve conflicting interests.
• Fluent in English; Dutch language skills are an advantage.
• Willingness to travel within Europe when required.

Key competencies

Manages Complexity – Able to structure and control complex, multidisciplinary projects.
Decision Quality – Makes timely, well‑founded decisions under pressure.
Stakeholder Orientation – Builds trust and alignment across internal and external parties.
Result Orientation – Delivers according to safety, quality, time, and budget constraints.
Leadership & Coaching – Leads teams effectively and supports the development of junior colleagues.
Continuous Improvement – Proactively contributes to improving project governance and processes.

Important
• Due to the international caracter of the rol, only freelancers (direct or offer through a supplier) are an option for this position!
• For ZZP indirect engagements, a maximum nominal margin applies. This information is available upon request from the recruiter for this assignment.

Practical information
• A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and a UVO screening must be in place before the candidate can start.
• A Pre‑Employment Screening (PES) is standard upon onboarding.
• Location: TenneT Arnhem / Hybride - 1 officeday (Arnhem-Rijnpoort), once a month to Eemshaven (NorNed) and a once every 2 a 3 months to travel to clients within Europe.
• Availability for 40 hours per week is preferred over a 36-hour workweek
• Interviews: one round, maximum two.

Additional information:
• Suppliers must be aware of the laws and regulations regarding employment conditions and Tennet’s Collective Labour Agreement. This assignment is placed in scale 9;
• We would like to receive the personal motivation of the candidate and CV in Dutch or English.

Screening:
• Pre-employment screening: If the candidate is selected to start, a pre-employment screening will be executed. We will send you the required documents to be filled in and returned as soon as possible. Your candidate is only allowed to start after the pre-employment screening has been completed successfully. The VOG Application is part of the screening. The VOG and UVO must be received before the candidate could start;
• All submitted candidates must be in possession of a valid Passport or ID card, which must be taken along to the interview and at the start of the assignment.

Availability:
• Important, the candidate has to be available throughout the entire duration of the assignment;
• By submitting a candidate, you are agreeing to the terms of this specific client. If you are not familiar with these terms, you can ask our recruiters for a copy.