Richard Sumner
Head of Delivery & Construction Utility-scale Renewable Energy Uk & International Projects @Voltalia
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WORK HISTORY
Head of Delivery & Construction Utility-scale Renewable Energy Uk & International Projects @Voltalia
London, GB
Role Overview:Portfolio-level responsibility for the technical, commercial, and delivery performance of large-scale UK solar PV projects from feasibility through construction and handover. Lead strategic planning, execution, and governance of multiple EPC projects, ensuring programme, cost, and quality objectives are achieved while maintaining compliance with regulatory, contractual, QHSE & environmental standards.Key Responsibilities:• Lead technical feasibility assessments with Development, Sales, and Grid teams to support investment decisions and bid strategies.• Define project scope, technical specifications, resource requirements, and delivery strategies across multiple utility-scale EPC projects.• Establish and control CAPEX budgets, project schedules, and execution plans in collaboration with EPC Project Managers.• Lead RFQs, contracts, and technical documentation, ensuring compliance with standards & client requirements.• Oversee supplier evaluation, procurement strategy, and contract negotiations, contributing to investment approvals and governance.• Provide senior oversight of construction delivery, ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, QHSE, and environmental requirements.• Monitor programme progress, risk, and critical path, escalating issues & driving mitigation strategies.• Conduct site audits, progress reviews, and performance reporting to senior management.• Ensure consistent application of delivery processes, controls & reporting tools across all projects.Key Achievements:• Implemented portfolio-level delivery governance for multiple UK solar projects, enhancing programme certainty & commercial performance.• Standardised project delivery processes, improving efficiency, reporting & stakeholder alignment.• Strengthened supplier & contractor performance management, reducing risk & improving outcomes.• Oversaw technical and commercial decision-making supporting £multi-million investment approvals & project execution.
EDUCATION
Pearson Edexcel
NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Construction Senior Management, Construction Management
Brunel Tech College
NVQ Level 3 / City and Guilds 236 Part 1 & 2, Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Colstons Collegiate School
High School
Renewable Solutions
G59 / G99 Advanced Competence / Commissioning Engineer
ABOUT RICHARD SUMNER
Head of Delivery & Construction with extensive experience delivering utility-scale renewable energy projects across the UK and international markets. Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary, cross-border teams through the full project lifecycle, from pre-construction and EPC contracting to construction, commissioning, and handover on complex multi-million-pound projects.Specialist in utility-scale solar PV, onshore wind, BESS, and grid infrastructure, with deep expertise in project delivery, construction management, programme control, cost management, risk mitigation, and HSEQ leadership. Highly experienced in operating within EPC, developer, and IPP environments, aligning technical delivery with commercial and investor objectives.Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams, manage multiple concurrent projects, and engage effectively with clients, investors, OEMs, contractors, DNOs, and regulatory bodies. Known for driving certainty of delivery, improving construction efficiency, and maintaining strong governance across £10m–£100m+ portfolios.Chartered-level professional (MIET) with a practical, solutions-focused leadership style. Comfortable operating at Board, executive, and stakeholder level, translating complex construction and engineering challenges into clear delivery strategies that support schedule, budget, and asset performance.
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