Senior Project Manager – BESS

We are a company dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy, firmly believing that it leads to a cleaner and healthier world. Our commitment extends from project development and construction to long-term operations, benefiting communities for years to come. As leaders in utility and community-scale solar solutions, we actively welcome and support a diverse range of forward-thinking individuals from all backgrounds. With corporate offices in North Carolina and California, as well as local offices nationwide, we are committed to sustainable energy solutions.

The Role

We are currently seeking a Senior Project Manager for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Projects. The Senior Project Manager will take charge of late-stage development projects, guiding them through construction permitting, EPC RFP/Contracting, financing, construction, commissioning, and handover to Asset Management. The primary responsibility of the Senior Project Manager is to ensure the successful management of third-party EPC contractors, ensuring the safe, on-schedule, on-budget delivery of BESS projects to high-quality standards. Simultaneously, they will oversee the progress of all other Owner disciplines.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying and addressing project success risks in collaboration with internal and external parties, including the development of mitigation plans.
• Collaborating with the Development team to facilitate the smooth transition of projects through the construction and financial closeout stages.
• Ensuring effective coordination and information sharing among the multidisciplinary project team.
• Managing multiple projects with a high degree of independence and professional judgment, even under pressure.
• Organizing and maintaining regular project meetings, communication, and project status updates.
• Working closely with Procurement to incorporate accurate long-lead equipment costs into schedules and budgets.
• Supporting and participating in the EPC RFP and contractor selection process.
• Leading EPC contract negotiations, with support from legal and EPC Contracting, to ensure achievability of all requirements, schedules, and costs.
• Managing EPC Contractor and Equipment Supplier obligations, including tracking deliverables, schedules, cash flow, change orders, and dispute resolution when needed.
• Ensuring that internal and external teams fulfill zoning, construction, and financial conditions.
• Presenting project status, health, cash flow, schedule, and risks to management.
• Collaborating closely with Project Finance Leads to ensure accurate input to financial models and the completion of financing milestones.
• Understanding and managing compliance requirements related to project obligations.
• Maintaining positive relationships with landowners, regulatory authorities, utilities, and all third parties.
• Managing deliverables from the Owner's Engineer.
• Enhancing and developing project management tools and processes.
• Managing the handoff of Operations and Maintenance contracts and coordinating the EPC contract closeout upon Final Acceptance.

Skills and Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in engineering, project management, construction management, or an equivalent field.
• Completed PMP study or similar coursework related to project management.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in renewables or construction project management.
• Prior experience with standalone BESS design and construction.
• Familiarity with High Voltage Interconnection aspects of project scopes of work (SOW).
• Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, and excellent decision-making, problem-solving, analytical, and time management abilities.
• Proficient understanding of the entire BESS project lifecycle.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Procore, Sales Force, SharePoint, and Scheduling Software.
• Capability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving circumstances.
• Proactive and solution-focused communication skills across all organizational and management levels.
• Experience in administering contracts.
• Ability to travel an average of 25%.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 15 days, with accrual up to 20 days, and 11 observed holidays.
• 10% 401(k) Match.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and health coverage.
• Wellness stipend, family planning stipend, and generous parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Phone bill reimbursement.
• Fully expensed company travel and mileage reimbursement.
• Annual Holiday Parties and Company Swag.

Location

• The preferred location is the Houston, Texas area, and remote candidates with knowledge of Texas and the ability to travel to sites regularly will also be considered. Preference also includes the Boston, MA area.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.