Hydrogen Solutions Project Manager II

Job Purpose

At Honda, our Energy Business Unit plays a vital role in shaping the future of energy products and services amidst the rapid technological and social changes of our time. As we strive to achieve Honda's Triple Zero goals of 100% carbon-neutral products, 100% resource circularity, and 100% use of clean energy, we recognize the criticality of building a highly capable, knowledgeable, and engaged team.

Within the Hydrogen Solutions team, this Project Manager position holds a key responsibility in enabling this future mass commercialization. Your core responsibility will involve overseeing and executing projects centered around the integration of fuel cell modules into stationary and mobile power applications. You will play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of clean and sustainable energy solutions within internal and external proof of concept projects, empowering the team to develop new business models and future sales.

This role will necessitate effective communication with a diverse range of both external and internal stakeholders. Externally, the Project Manager will engage directly with customers, understanding their specific needs and requirements for hydrogen solutions projects. Regular interactions with customers will be vital to provide updates on project progress, address inquiries, and ensure their satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, the Project Manager will collaborate with suppliers, utilities, integrators, vendors, contractors, and installation teams, establishing strong working relationships to source high-quality components, coordinate on-site activities, and ensure smooth project execution. Moreover, communication with regulatory authorities and permitting agencies will be crucial to obtain necessary approvals and certification, ensuring compliance with local regulations and environmental requirements.

This role will interface with regulators and legislators and industry associations to develop the policy and regulatory framework for new hydrogen products and services to thrive in the market, for example, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership, US Department of Energy, US Treasury, US Department of Transportation, Alliance of Automotive Innovation, California Electric Transport Coalition, Clean Energy Buyers Alliance, Rocky Mountain Institute, California and other state Energy Commisisons, State Public Utilities Commissions. Understanding the perspectives of a diverse range of coalition participants and regulators while advocating for the best solution for Honda and our customers is key to success in this role. 

Internally, the Project Manager will work closely with various teams within the organization. Collaborating with the Engineering Team is essential to ensure the seamless integration of fuel cell modules into stationary and mobile applications, aligning project deliverables with technical specifications. Engaging with the Sales Team will involve assessing project feasibility, providing technical insights during customer discussions, and supporting the preparation of project proposals and quotations. Coordinating with the Operations Team will be imperative to allocate resources efficiently, schedule projects, and ensure successful project implementation. Regular communication with the Finance Department will be necessary to develop and monitor project budgets, track expenditures, and maintain financial compliance. Furthermore, interactions with the Marketing and Communication Team will facilitate the creation of effective marketing materials and case studies, showcasing the benefits and applications of hydrogen solutions. The Project Manager will also engage with the Research and Development (R&D) Team, exploring emerging technologies, assessing their impact on projects, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Key Accountabilities

Project Planning and Execution:

• Lead end-to-end project management for hydrogen and fuel cell applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements, deliverables, and resource allocations, ensuring alignment with Honda's Triple Zero goals and core values.
• Implement AGILE project management methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability for agile responses to changing market dynamics and customer needs.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, and budgets, monitoring progress and identifying potential risks and issues proactively.
• Conduct post-project evaluations, analyzing project performance metrics and lessons learned to optimize future project delivery and enhance overall operational efficiency of projects.

Stakeholder Management:

• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as the primary point of contact for project-related inquiries and ensuring exceptional stakeholder satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate regular project status meetings, providing clear and transparent communication to stakeholders, team members, and leadership.
• Collaborate with customers to understand their specific requirements, address inquiries, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Engage with suppliers, vendors, contractors, and installation teams to coordinate activities, source components, and ensure smooth project execution. 

Technical Expertise and Innovation:

• Work closely with the Engineering Team to ensure the seamless integration of fuel cell modules into stationary and mobile power applications.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in hydrogen solutions by collaborating with industry associations and research organizations.
• Provide technical input for marketing materials, case studies, and customer success stories to showcase the benefits and applications of fuel cell technologies.
• Collaborate with the Research and Development (R&D) Team to explore emerging technologies and identify opportunities for improvement and optimization.  

External Facing Communications: 

• Interact with regulatory authorities and permitting agencies to obtain necessary approvals and ensure compliance with local regulations and environmental requirements and to facilitate beneficial policy and market development
• Monitor adherence to safety protocols and quality standards to ensure reliable and safe project deliverables. 
• Assist sales engineer team and interface with potential customers to promote Honda's products and services, while seeking new opportunities for future projects. 
• Assist sales engineer team in communications with suppliers, dealers, and business partners to facilitate new business development.  

Financial Management:

• Collaborate with the Finance and unit lead to develop and monitor project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• BA/BS in Engineering, Business, Sustainability, or equivalent work experience
• MBA is plus
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in project management, preferably in the energy sector or related industries. Experience with energy generation and power systems or microgrid integrations is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing end-to-end project delivery, including planning, execution, and post-project evaluations
• Capable of drafting and reviewing contracts, agreements, and detailed scopes-of-work
• PC proficiency with MS office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams toward achieving project objectives
• 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
• 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 is preferred
• Knowledge of Honda operations – planning, R&D, manufacturing, sales, quality, service, and customer support
• Function in an agile project team as a product owner/LPL, scrum master/ALPL, or person-in-charge of a functional area for a project

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.
• It's important to note that the time allocation percentages can vary based on project demands, customer requirements, and specific organizational needs. The percentages provided are intended to give a general idea of the typical distribution of time for various working condition activities. The flexibility to adapt and manage time effectively across different work settings, and the ability to work independently, is crucial for success in this position.

Benefits and Total Rewards

What differentiates Honda and makes us an employer of choice?

Total Rewards: 

• Competitive Base Salary: $88,800 - $133,200
  • Pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to, geographic location, work experience, education, etc.
• Annual Bonus
• Overtime
• Industry leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
• Paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, sick time, personal days
• 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
• Lifestyle Bonus
• Relocation assistance

Career Growth:

• Advancement opportunities
• Career mobility  
• Education reimbursement for continued learning
• Training and Development programs 

Additional Offerings:

• Wellbeing program
• Community service and engagement programs
• Product programs
• Free drinks onsite