Project Delivery Manager

NextGenEnergyJobs; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401k with company match

Open and self-managed PTO

Hybrid work location policy

Parental leave policy

Professional development support

Job summary

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Project Delivery Manager to serve as the execution engine for the Project Delivery team. You will operate as a senior contributor in a high-impact program management capacity, driving cross-functional teams toward organizational goals and engaging stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

The role bridges strategy and execution, implementing SOPs and governance to safeguard asset valuation and keep timelines on track, while coordinating with EPCs, engineers, and

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in project management or delivery in renewable energy.
• Experience managing complex portfolios and operating through ambiguity.
• Translate objectives into stakeholder work streams and influence without authority.
• Understand project sale processes and renewable project business models.
• Experience with external EPCs and contract bid processes.
• Cross-functional communication with Interconnection, Development, Engineering, and Finance.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; PMP/MBA desired.

Responsibilities

• Drive cross-functional teams to achieve project goals across the lifecycle.
• Implement SOPs, governance, and project delivery tools.
• Bridge strategy and execution to safeguard asset valuation and timelines.
• Manage external EPCs and engineering firms through bids and contracts.
• Derisk schedules and accelerate the critical path toward NTP and COD.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project portfolio management

Program management

SOP development

Stakeholder management

Operational risk mitigation

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

PMP Certification

MBA

Job description

New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market-competitive base salary, plus above-market variable compensation, plus an equity-like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• The Project Delivery Manager serves as the execution engine for the Project Delivery team at New Leaf Energy. Operating as a senior individual contributor in a high-impact program management capacity, this role is responsible for driving cross functional teams toward organizational goals and ensuring that multidisciplinary internal and external stakeholders are optimally engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
• The Project Delivery Manager bridges the gap between macro strategy and project level execution, driving the day-to-day implementation of project management tools, standard operating procedures, and governance of the Project Delivery process across the organization. Working within the critical window between the project phases of final design and project close, the Project Delivery Manager establishes and executes clear project goals to safeguard asset valuation and keep transaction timelines on track. This role requires strong operational leadership and the ability to translate high-level corporate and project objectives into distinct, actionable stakeholder tasks. By blending technical project management expertise with strong cross-functional execution, the Project Delivery Manager works to systematically remove schedule risk and accelerate the project’s critical path to Notice to Proceed (NTP) and the commercial operation date (COD).
• Position responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Execution & Program Management: Partner with Project Managers, Developers, Regional Teams, and Engineers to drive consistent workflows across the organization using established SOPs and tools. While day-to-day schedule management is handled by individual project managers, this role will leverage deep project management expertise to collaborate closely with those PM’s designing objectives that support NLE's strategic goals amidst complex buyer, technical and regulatory challenges.
• Build and Optimize: Take ownership in both building and improving the system and tools used to execute the Project Delivery process so that it remains tightly calibrated with organizational and team objectives.
• Pipeline Derisking: Conduct targeted portfolio and timeline analyses to proactively mitigate schedule risks, minimize critical-path delays, and provide guidance to expedite projects toward NTP, Mechanical Completion, and COD.
• External Partner Management: Manage and optimize day-to-day operational relationships with partner EPCs and engineering firms within New Leaf’s key markets.
• EPC Bid Process Support: Facilitate building of project work scope designs, manage external EPC bid processes, and support the commercial evaluation and negotiation of contracts with regional partners and vendors.

Requirements

• 5–8 years of sophisticated project management, program management, or project operations/delivery experience within the renewable energy sector;
• Experience managing complex project portfolios with a demonstrated ability to maintain operational stability and drive velocity through volatile or ambiguous project environments;
• Strong ability to break down high level objectives, translate them into distinct stakeholder work streams, and influence cross-functional team members without direct authority;
• Clear understanding of the project sale process, renewable project development business models, and how project value flows through the VSM into that sale process;
• Demonstrated experience managing external EPCs, engineering firms or other similar contractors through bid processes and contract execution;
• Experience effectively communicating across business functions, including Interconnection, Project Development, Engineering, and Project Finance;
• Bachelors in Engineering or related area of study required; and
• PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification or Masters in Business Administration Desired
• New Leaf Energy’s success is driven by our collaborative, long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. We offer a flexible work environment that places significant responsibility in independent teams and creates opportunities for innovation and personal growth. New Leaf Energy’s benefits are designed to appropriately recognize our employees’ contributions and enable a reasonable work/life balance. Our benefits include:
• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision;
• A 401k plan with immediate vesting and a company match (100% of the first three percent of your pay; 50% for the next two percent you contribute);
• An open and self-managed paid time-off policy;
• A hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week;
• A parental leave policy for both birthing and non-birthing parents, available immediately upon hire;
• Professional development and education assistance.