Program Manager, Construction & Energy Infrastructure

Gotion Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Gotion Illinois New Energy seeks a Program Manager, Construction & Energy Infrastructure to lead planning, execution and delivery of energy infrastructure projects including Pioneer Power Station BESS and future hub deployments, while managing on-site construction and contractor coordination.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on field management, requiring experience in multi-stakeholder projects, EPC awareness, and strong scheduling, budgeting, and safety leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or related field.
• 5+ years in program or project management, with at least 2 years in construction management or owner's representative capacity.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder construction or energy infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with EPC contract structures, change order management, and contractor oversight.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams under deadline pressure.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent) and standard MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end program planning across energy infrastructure projects, from development through COD.
• Maintain integrated master schedules, track milestones, and flag risks to timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate across internal teams and external partners.
• Manage scope, schedule, and budget performance across concurrent projects; escalate issues as needed.
• Support preparation of executive updates and project status reports.

Skills

Program management

Construction management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

MS Office

Job description

Department: Market Management Center

Reports To: Director, Market Management Center

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Program Manager, Construction & Energy Infrastructure is a dual-function role within the Market Management Center at Gotion Illinois New Energy. This position is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of energy infrastructure projects — including the Pioneer Power Station BESS and future hub deployments — while simultaneously managing all on-site construction activity, contractor coordination, and project milestones. The ideal candidate brings a strong program management background combined with direct construction field experience, and is comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Project Management

• Own end-to-end program planning across energy infrastructure projects, from development through commercial operation date (COD).
• Maintain integrated master schedules, track milestones, and proactively flag risks to project timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate across internal teams (engineering, procurement, legal, government relations) and external partners (EPC contractors, utilities, interconnection teams).
• Manage scope, schedule, and budget performance across concurrent projects, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Support preparation of executive updates and project status reports for Director and senior leadership.

Construction Management

• Serve as the Owner's on-site representative during construction phases, managing contractor and subcontractor performance against EPC agreements.
• Conduct regular site walks, safety inspections, and progress reviews; document findings and drive corrective actions.
• Review and approve contractor submittals, RFIs, change orders, and payment applications in coordination with the project team.
• Coordinate with ComEd, permitting authorities, and inspectors to support timely interconnection, energization, and certificate of occupancy milestones.
• Ensure construction activities comply with applicable safety standards, OSHA requirements, and site-specific protocols.
• Manage site access, logistics, and material staging to maintain an organized and efficient construction environment.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with the Sales Electrical Engineer to align technical specifications with commercial deliverables and customer requirements.
• Support hub expansion planning by applying lessons learned from Pioneer to subsequent domestic and international deployments.
• Interface with the Power Station Manager on operational readiness and commissioning coordination.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project documentation, SOPs, and lessons-learned records to support a repeatable hub model.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in program or project management, with at least 2 years in a construction management or owner's representative capacity.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder construction or energy infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with EPC contract structures, change order management, and contractor oversight.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams under deadline pressure.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent) and standard MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership.

Preferred

• Experience in utility-scale battery energy storage, solar, or grid infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with PJM interconnection processes, ComEd coordination, or Illinois permitting requirements.
• Experience working with SPV or joint venture project structures.
• PMP, CCM, or equivalent professional certification.
• Bilingual (English/Mandarin) is a plus but not required.

Working Conditions

• This position requires regular on-site presence at the Manteno, Illinois facility and construction sites.
• Occasional travel to other hub sites, partner facilities, or regulatory offices may be required.
• Must be able to perform site walks in varying weather conditions and navigate active construction environments.