The Green New Deal, introduced by former president Moon in 2020, committed to transforming one of the world’s most carbon-intensive economies into a net zero emissions, renewables-driven powerhouse by 2050.
Renewables currently provides only around 5% of South Korea’s power – one of the lowest shares among all IEA members – but that is set to change as it pursues an ambitious three-phase programme of development, with floating wind at the forefront.
The country has the potential to support over 18GW of offshore wind capacity, with resource concentrated in the south-western provinces of North and South Jeolla. This region has more than 15GW of potential capacity, and the government has committed 48.5 trillion won to the 8.2GW Jeonnam Sinan project, which is projected to create up to 120,000 jobs.
South Korea has announced $A56 billion plans to build the world’s largest offshore wind farm, an 8.2 gigawatt project off the coast of Sinan in the Yellow Sea, as the government puts flesh on the bones of its 2020 pledge to go carbon neutral by 2050. https://t.co/SFbGzgw1oM
— All-Energy Australia (@AllEnergyAU) February 17, 2021
Building our presence in South Korea’s offshore wind sector
Korea’s ambition to become one of the world’s top five offshore wind producers by 2030 is ushering in a wave of investment. Taylor Hopkinson recently opened an office in Seoul to support our Korean clients, adding dedicated in-country resource to our wider APAC team for the first time. And our Head of Recruitment, Joshua Whitaker, is already working with some of the leading companies in the sector to connect renewables specialists to their pioneering projects on the Korean peninsula.
“The market is still in its early development stages,” says Joshua Whitaker, our Head of Recruitment, South Korea, “but its potential is significant and the ambition from government is huge.
“Many of our offshore wind vacancies in South Korea focus on the development and pre-construction stages, as the leading companies ramp up detailed plans to get their projects into the water. We’re looking for Project Construction Managers, Transport & Installation Managers, Health and Safety Managers – all important technical specialist roles that are crucial for the deployment and execution of these massive infrastructure projects.
“We’re keen to talk to experienced specialists in these fields – and we have new opportunities all the time, so please get in touch to discuss what’s coming online soon.”
New offshore wind vacancies in South Korea
Technical Director
This senior role will oversee all of the organisation’s technical divisions across the development, construction, and operations phases of its offshore wind projects. Reporting to the CEO, the Technical Director will build an elite technical team to support the effective delivery of all offshore wind projects and lead the design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning before handing over the O&M team. A bachelor’s degree in engineering and experience executing large infrastructure projects in a leadership role are necessary for this senior role.
Project Construction Manager
A leading infrastructure in APAC is looking for a Project Construction Manager to lead and oversee its offshore construction site. Responsibilities include works co-ordination for all offshore site activities and the establishment and construction of the principal contractor’s pre-assembly site. Significant experience in offshore wind or complex infrastructure projects is a must for this role.
Transport & Installation Manager
Championing innovation, optimisation and cost-efficiency, the Transport & Installation Manager will provide logistical solutions from the early development stages to the construction phases for several offshore wind projects. Reporting to the Engineering Director, this role requires someone with a proven track record in offshore wind project management, with at least five years of experience working in development or construction.
HSSE Manager
A respected offshore wind developer with experience in investing and developing multiple projects within APAC has an opportunity for an HSSE Manager to implement QHSE processes across their operational assets. An important part of this is to enhance the organisation’s overall QHSE culture and align best practices with other sites globally. To be in the running for this opportunity, you will need seven years of experience managing HSSE for the full scope of major offshore wind projects.
Substation Package Manager
Joining the Engineering team and reporting to the EPC Director, the Substation Package Manager will be responsible for the delivery of the project’s offshore substation package, covering specification, procurement, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning. This is a high-level role requiring a seasoned professional with over ten years of demonstrable industry experience in project management.
Contracts & Commercial Manager
Our client is looking for a Contracts & Commercial Manager to lead on all contracting across the entire offshore wind project scope. This role will work closely with the supply chain and maintain high-level relationships with major suppliers and contractors. This is a critical role for the company, requiring someone with vast knowledge and experience in the management of large, complex, and multidisciplinary construction contracts.
Engineering Director
An exciting opportunity for an Engineering Director to take on a senior leadership position at a global leader in offshore wind. You will take on the responsibilities for development and engineering activities from origination through to financial close across all Korean projects. Full-lifecycle experience and a significant track record in leading wind farm project development is a must.
