Project Executive – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – Southeast

Clayco; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Clayco is seeking an experienced Project Executive to drive business development and execution in the Power & Energy sector, focusing on utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). You will oversee high-profile projects from acquisition through execution, ensuring on-time delivery, budget discipline, and top-tier safety performance.

You bring a proven track record leading large design-build teams with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of selling and delivering across a nationwide

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 20-25 years of progressive construction experience on large projects ($50M+).
• Experience delivering utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) or power/renewable energy infrastructure.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and cross-functional team management.
• Entrepreneurial, seller/Doer mindset with nationwide reach and client focus.
• Familiarity with lithium-ion technology, EPC delivery, and interconnection agreements.

Responsibilities

• Drive business development in the Power & Energy unit and pursue new clients.
• Lead RFQ/RFP responses, manage design/preconstruction, and oversee deals.
• Serve as primary executive client contact and secure long-term relationships.
• Recruit and mentor project teams; ensure smooth design-to-construction transitions.
• Provide executive oversight to meet schedules, budgets, and safety goals.
• Collaborate on cost control, risk mitigation, and field execution improvements.

Skills

Business development

RFQ/RFP

Client management

Project leadership

Team development

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Job description

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

The Role We Want You For

As a Project Executive, you will be instrumental in driving business success within the Power & Energy Business Unit, with a focus on utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), overseeing multiple high-profile projects from acquisition through execution. Acting as the "executive in charge," your primary objectives will be to secure new business, maintain strong client relationships, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to win business, foster client satisfaction, and deliver exceptional project outcomes.

You are a natural leader with experience managing large and complex design-build projects. You bring an entrepreneurial mindset to your work, thriving in a Seller/Doer role with a nationwide reach. Your passion for business growth, combined with a strong background in leading construction teams, makes you an ideal fit to help grow Clayco's presence in the Power & Energy (BESS) sector. Familiarity with lithium-ion battery technology, EPC delivery models, and utility interconnection processes is highly valued.

The Specifics of the Role

• Business Development: Partner with the Business Unit Leader to drive and implement Clayco's Power & Energy Business Plan. Proactively engage in networking, industry events, and targeted marketing to build new client relationships.
• Project Acquisition: Lead the RFQ/RFP response process, including developing pursuit strategies, managing design and preconstruction efforts, overseeing communication and marketing, and presenting to clients. Ensure strategic alignment in deal negotiations, scope definition, and contract administration for EPC, equipment supply, and interconnection agreements.
• Client Management: Serve as the primary executive contact for clients, ensuring satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle and fostering long-term relationships that lead to repeat business.
• Project Leadership: Identify and recruit top talent for project teams and ensure proper scope education and smooth transitions from design to construction. Provide executive oversight during construction to ensure adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Team Development: Mentor and inspire teams of construction professionals, fostering leadership growth and creating a high-performing, knowledgeable workforce.
• Operational Oversight: Collaborate with operations teams on critical activities, including major trade buyouts and early design-phase tasks. Ensure proactive management of construction costs, risk mitigation, and field execution.
• Strategic Input: Contribute to the broader strategic goals of the Power & Energy Business Unit by identifying opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and project delivery improvements.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Experience: 20-25 years of progressive experience in construction, with a strong track record managing individual projects valued at $50M or more, including direct experience delivering utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), solar, or other power/renewable energy infrastructure projects.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of construction costs and cost drivers, both at the project and unit level, including BESS equipment, battery enclosures, and balance-of-plant systems. Proficient in contract negotiation and administration, including EPC, interconnection, and equipment supply agreements.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams, with a focus on mentoring and developing talent. Strong ability to navigate complex challenges, resolve conflicts, and motivate teams to achieve exceptional results.
• Business Acumen: Entrepreneurial drive with a passion for business development, coupled with a keen understanding of customer decision‑making processes.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver impactful presentations and build consensus across internal and external teams.
• Problem‑Solving: Ability to break down complex problems into manageable components, identify core issues, and develop innovative solutions. Skilled in prioritizing critical details and managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to scope management and cost control, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of project execution.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to anticipate future trends, adapt to changing circumstances, and continuously seek ways to improve project outcomes and client satisfaction.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to physically navigate job sites, including climbing ladders and multi‑floor scaffolding. Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Some Things You Should Know

• This position will service our clients in the Southeast
• Our clients and projects are nationwide - Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high‑profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!
• This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.

Why Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work - St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 - Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms - Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.