Construction Operations Manager- Renewables

McKinstry; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 114,210 - 192,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Full medical benefits

Parental leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

McKinstry is seeking an Operations Manager for the Distributed Energy Renewables (DER) team in Seattle. This role focuses on overseeing the construction of solar PV and other DER projects, ensuring quality and profitability. Candidates should possess a minimum of 10 years in the DER industry, coupled with strong project management and leadership skills.

The position demands expertise in workforce planning and cost management practices, alongside a commitment to professional excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of DER industry experience required, particularly in Solar and BESS.
• 7+ years of project management experience is essential.
• Strong business acumen and proficiency in cost management are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage project teams effectively while adhering to operational standards.
• Schedule and conduct project management meetings for team training.
• Evaluate field installations for potential cost reduction.

Skills

DER industry experience

Project management

Leadership

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are seeking an Operations Manager to join our Distributed Energy Renewables (DER) National team in Seattle, WA. In this national role, you will lead all aspects of construction of solar PV, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and other DER projects, providing customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and profitable outcomes at an operational level. You will also closely collaborate with DER business development efforts, field, and other business units to successfully obtain work that aligns with McKinstry capabilities and business plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead teams: Hire, coach, and performance manage team members consistent with McKinstry values.
• Schedule and host the monthly Project Management Meeting focused on training team members.
• Be an integral part of monthly Project Reviews and Project Plan Presentations.
• Participate with Business Unit Manager in monthly department forecasting, annual planning, and department monthly meeting.
• Manage proactive staffing, comparing project assignments to a roster of resources.
• Take responsibility for proactive view of upcoming work and communicating that to all downstream partners.
• Ensure that the Critical Processes from the Project Life Cycle and other project management tools are being followed on all projects (coach, guide and mentor around this content).
• Reduce cost overruns by evaluating field installations with superintendents to uncover opportunities to streamline and reduce wasted time and materials.
• Work with project managers to schedule manpower requirements based on budget, scope, job schedule.
• Confirm manpower needs are being met for all projects and communicate impacts to PMs.
• Make sure field is performing within budgeted labor hours through published manpower plans.
• Create a way to track Project Managers’ and Superintendents’ performance.
• Ensure we execute professional high-quality installations on all projects.
• Make sure field personnel wear appropriate uniforms.
• Work with logistics to ensure internal deliveries meet McKinstry standards.
• Work with tool room operations to align with McKinstry process.
• Keep track of union contracts and how they affect the business.
• Monitor active certifications and badging credentials held by field labor.
• Work with the superintendents to determine qualifications and training needs.
• Hold construction operations teams accountable for deadlines.
• Work with Superintendents to keep crew sizes at the correct level and labor mix for project execution.
• Set‑up vendor training and certification for specific products and equipment.
• Work with safety department to manage safety training and implementation for all projects.
• Manage trade communication with internal/external customers when manpower needs to be shifted.
• Assist with the development of tools, templates, and operational processes to support the portfolio.
• Work with Project Managers and Superintendents to organize and schedule post-job analysis when jobs are completed.
• Provide sales/estimating manpower options and strategies.
• Participate in job walks and bid reviews to provide constructability review and ensure sound estimating practices.
• Attend client meetings, interviews and events as needed.
• Take on pursuits and budgeting exercises as assigned.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• 10+ years of DER industry experience (Solar, BESS, microgrid, other).
• 7+ years of project management experience.
• 7+ years of experience leading people with a high standard of excellence.
• Strong business acumen.
• Proficient in forecasting and managing cost types.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability and willingness to travel regionally.
• Physical ability to navigate job sites in uneven terrain.
• Provide personal transportation for meetings and job visits away from the office; reimbursed.

Benefits

PeopleFirst Benefits:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out-of-pocket maximums
• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• Building Good paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

The pay range for this position is $114,210 - $192,900 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.