Infrastructure Construction, Repair and Maintenance Manager

Location: Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Position Type: Part-time/Full time, Fixed Term

Start Date: October 2025 (flexible)

Join a Groundbreaking Horizon Europe Project!

The Hydrogen Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Trakia University (TrU) in Stara Zagora - established under the Horizon Europe-funded Green Innovations in Hydrogen for Sustainable Energy Transition (H2start) project is seeking an Infrastructure Construction, Repair and Maintenance Manager to support the building and maintenance  of its research facilities.

About the Role

This role is central to the establishment and modernisation of research infrastructure for the Centre of Excellence, a cornerstone of its mission to become a world-class hydrogen innovation hub. The position carries responsibility for overseeing the construction of approximately 1,000 m² of new laboratories and research facilities, the renovation of 500 m² of existing laboratories, and the development of critical installations such as demonstration platforms and hydrogen-ready gas infrastructure.

As Infrastructure Manager, you will ensure that all facilities are built to the highest technical and safety standards, fully digitalised, and tailored to the evolving research and industrial needs of the clean hydrogen economy.

Key Responsibilities

·         Lead and coordinate the implementation of all procedures for permission, construction, renovation, and commissioning of CoE infrastructure and laboratories.

·         Manage the preparation and execution of all required procedures: development plan, coordination of design visa, preparation of technical and technological assignments, investment design, construction supervision, and commissioning.

·         Supervise the design, building, and integration of the gases infrastructure in compliance with safety requirements.

·         Oversee the establishment of IT systems and the digitalization framework of the CoE.

·         Ensure effective operation, maintenance, and upgrading of technical installations and laboratory equipment.

·         Support the Scientific Coordinator, Work Package WP2 Leader, and Task Leaders responsible for the development of the CoE laboratories in managing technical activities and solving complex issues across research and engineering domains.

·         Contribute to technical documentation, project reports, and liaison with contractors, national authorities, and international partners.

·         Monitor construction and renovation progress against project milestones and technical requirements.

·         Actively support sustainability planning, innovation transfer, and long-term adaptation of CoE infrastructure to research and industrial needs.

Minimum Requirements

·         Master’s degree in Engineering Chemistry (focus on Inorganic Substances or Electrochemical Processes), Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

·         Proven experience in construction and management of chemical/electrochemical industrial systems (hydrogen systems are an advantage).

·         Experience in design, construction, and commissioning of pilot-scale or industrial installations.

·         Knowledge and/or practical experience in environmental sustainability and green technologies, including ecological impact assessment and resource-efficient solutions.

·         Minimum of 8 years of technology/project management experience, ideally in the energy or chemical engineering sector.

·         Proficiency in Bulgarian and English (oral and written) for communication with international stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

·         PhD in Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related engineering field.

·         Practical experience with hydrogen systems and hydrogen safety standards.

·         Previous research experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, or engineering chemistry.

·         Experience with national/international R&D projects and collaboration across industry and academia.

·         Strong organizational and critical thinking skills; ability to set realistic expectations and deliver on commitments.

·         Ability to bridge technical, scientific, and business domains.

·         Knowledge of additional foreign languages is an advantage.

What We Offer

·        A leadership role in shaping the future of hydrogen education, research, and innovation.

·        Opportunity to work at the crossroads of advanced science, engineering, and industrial transformation.

·        Competitive salary aligned with experience and EU project standards, with performance-based recognition and growth opportunities.

·        Work-life balance with flexible working hours, flexitime, and home office options.

·        Direct involvement in establishing state-of-the-art hydrogen training and research facilities.

·        Access to advanced infrastructure, pilot installations, and strong industrial partnerships.

·        A dynamic, international, and mission-driven team environment that values diversity and equal opportunities.

·        Professional development and long-term career perspectives in the clean energy transition.

Why Work in Stara Zagora?

Stara Zagora is a city in transition - from a coal-powered energy hub to a clean energy leader. The transformation is driven by renewable energy and large-scale hydrogen initiatives, anchored by the ZAHYR Hydrogen Valley, a Horizon Europe-funded project. By joining H2Start, you will be at the forefront of this green transition in a region offering both impact and opportunity, while supporting the development of innovations with global reach.

How to Apply

Please send your EU-format CV and Motivation Letter by (10 days from submission) to [email protected] with the subject line: “Application for Infrastructure Construction Manager”

Application Process

·         All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

·         Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

·         Interviews will be conducted online - no physical presence required.

·         We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to the team!