Preconstruction Manager Operations

Solar Landscape; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training / Professional development

401(k) with 4% match

Summer Fridays

Flexible remote/hybrid work options

Parental leave

Team lunches and events

Modern offices in multiple cities

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Solar Landscape is seeking a PM with construction and solar background to own a project portfolio from BD handoff through construction permits. You will lead PM activities, coordinate across engineering, procurement, and subs, and manage client meetings to keep projects on track.

The role requires strong communication, cost awareness, and extensive use of MS Office, Dynamics 365, and MS Project. Hybrid work options are available; travel to sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field.
• 5+ years construction experience and/or engineering background in Solar.
• Proficient with MS Office, Dynamics 365, MS Project and PDF editors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective negotiation skills and cost control focus.
• Knowledge of PPA, EPC contracts and project accounting.
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification and US work authorization.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Owns a portfolio of projects from BD handoff through construction permits.
• Manages all PM aspects from handoff to permit submission.
• Handles zoning, planning and other non-ministerial permits.
• Coordinates schedules with Project Controls for the portfolio.
• Ensures preconstruction site visits are completed with required data.
• Supports engineering in design decisions to meet requirements.
• Coordinates with procurement for timely equipment purchases.
• Builds relationships with subcontractors and supports RFPs and subcontracts.
• Participates in weekly client meetings and relays tasks to engineering.
• Manages submittals, RFIs, and budget tracking during procurement.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Organization

Detail-oriented

MS Office

Project management software

OSHA 10/30

Driver's license

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Dynamics 365

Microsoft Project

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Job description

About Us

Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of commercial rooftops host solar today — we’re changing that, fast. Commercial rooftop solar is the fastest, smartest way to build new clean power — delivering megawatts of generation in months, not years, and powering America’s energy and future right where it’s needed most. By turning rooftops into local power plants, we’re reshaping how — and how fast — energy gets built in the U.S.

Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grand Prize for Clean Energy, Solar Landscape is defining the future of energy generation in America.

Headquartered in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Solar Landscape has offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City and operates in over a dozen states nationwide.

We move fast, solve hard problems, and take our work seriously — but never ourselves. We value clear thinking, accountability, and execution. At the same time, we’re collaborative by default, and believe the best work happens when people enjoy working together. Our team is made up of smart, grounded people who show up for each other — whether that’s troubleshooting a system design or catching up over lunch.

If you’re looking to do meaningful work in a high-performance environment — and be part of the team reshaping how energy gets built in the U.S. — we’d love to meet you.

About The Role

Responsibilities

• Assumes ownership of a portfolio of projects from Business Development.
• Manages all Project Management aspects of the projects from handoff through submission of construction permits.
• Manages and acquires all non-ministerial permits to include zoning, planning, etc.
• Coordinates with Project Controls to create schedules for a project/portfolio as they are awarded.
• Ensure all preconstruction site visits are completed and required information is obtained.
• Assists Engineering team in decisions and development of the project design to be compliant with Company and Customer requirements.
• Coordinates with Procurement to ensure all equipment is purchased timely and in accordance with the project schedule.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Subcontractors, keep them apprised of project pipeline and assist Project Management in development of RFPs and Subcontract Agreements.
• Participates in weekly Client meetings, responds and/or relays preconstruction project tasks to the engineering team.
• Process submittals and RFIs as required.
• Prepares, tracks, and manages construction budget during the procurement phase of project to assure each purchase is within budget of each item.
• Provide status reports to Senior Management on a regular basis, particularly regarding engineering, procurement, schedule, and cost forecasting.
• Assists the Business Development team by providing all preconstruction technical support required to respond to all requests for proposals which include technical review and PPA or EPC contract review.
• Build trust and rapport with all Solar Landscape departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering or related field of study.
• 5+ years construction experience and/or engineering background in Solar.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, Dynamics 365 (or other construction management software), Microsoft Project, Adobe Acrobat Pro or equivalent pdf editor.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective Negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of behind-the-meter and Utility interconnections.
• Understanding of Purchase Order, Subcontract, PPA, EPC Contracts and Project accounting.
• Organization and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-starter.
• Knowledge of construction safety requirements; OSHA 10 or 30 certification.
• Valid Driver’s License; must be willing to travel to various job sites.
• Ability to climb ladders and access building roofs.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

$80,000 - $110,000 a year

Salary will vary depending on your location and job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive-based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.

Benefits and Perks

We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:

• Training / Professional development opportunities
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Summer Fridays
• Flexible remote/hybrid work options
• Paid parental leave
• Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
• Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance

ADA Accommodation Statement

Solar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].