Project Manager - BESS Project Execution

Elevate Infrastructure; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Elevate Infrastructure in Phoenix, AZ, seeks an experienced Project Manager, Project Execution, to lead utility-scale storage and PV+Storage projects from late development through commissioning and handover to Operations.

The role collaborates with the Director of Project Execution and external partners (EPCs, OEMs, utilities) to ensure on-time delivery within budget, while maintaining safety and quality standards across permitting, procurement, engineering, construction, and O&M handoff.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of utility-scale energy project management experience.
• 1–2 years in BESS or solar projects preferred.
• Experience with permitting, interconnection, and regulatory frameworks in U.S. energy markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage detailed project execution plans, including timelines and procurement schedules.
• Coordinate day-to-day project activities across internal teams and external partners for successful handoff to O&M.
• Support EPC and OEM selection through RFPs, bid evaluation, and senior leadership approvals.
• Monitor safety, quality, and schedule, escalating risks to the Director of Project Execution.
• Track costs, change orders, and lender/investor deliverables for financial close.

Skills

Project management

BESS/energy storage

Construction coordination

Permitting & interconnection

Budget tracking

Travel readiness

Communication skills

Job description

Position Summary

• The Project Manager, Project Execution is a core member of Elevate’s execution team, responsible for managing utility-scale standalone storage and PV + Storage projects from late-stage development through commissioning and handover to Operations. This role ensures delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.
• Working closely with the Director of Project Execution, the Project Manager coordinates day-to-day project activities across internal teams and external partners — including EPC contractors, battery OEMs, utilities, and regulatory bodies — spanning permitting, procurement, engineering, construction, and O&M handoff.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development & Preconstruction

• Provide constructability input during early-to-mid-stage development, including conceptual design review, project schedule development, and CAPEX forecasting.
• Coordinate with the Development team to track permitting milestones, interconnection progress, and site readiness ahead of construction.
• Support EPC selection by assisting with RFP preparation, bid normalization, and internal evaluation — presenting findings to senior leadership for final decision.

Project Execution & Delivery

• Develop and manage detailed project execution plans, including timelines, procurement schedules, risk registers, and milestone trackers.
• Manage day-to-day project execution across permitting, procurement, and construction to ensure a successful handoff to O&M/Asset Management.
• Coordinate with site-based Construction Managers and third-party inspectors to ensure quality, safety, and schedule compliance.
• Execute projects safely, on schedule, and within budget by implementing proactive cost controls and flagging schedule risks to the Director of Project Execution.

Technical Oversight

• Participate in constructability reviews and confirm that design and engineering activities meet technical specifications, utility requirements, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate with engineering to track completion of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and support site commissioning activities.
• Review contractor deliverables against technical specifications; escalation gaps and support negotiation of change orders under the direction of senior leadership.

Stakeholder & Risk Management

• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for project-level stakeholders, including Development, Finance, Operations, EPC contractors, OEMs, and utilities.
• Identify and escalates risks across technical, commercial, and contractual dimensions; maintain and update the project risk register.
• Maintain project performance reporting including schedule updates, cost trackers, and risk summaries; prepare status reports for the Director of Project Execution and senior leadership.

Budget & Contract Administration

• Track project costs and expenditures against approved capital budgets; flag variances and support cost control decisions.
• Review and process contractor invoices; manage construction draw schedules in coordination with the Finance team.
• Support EPC and OEM contract administration, including change order tracking, deliverable compliance, and invoice reconciliation.
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure project deliverables align with lender and investor requirements for financial close and COD.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• 4–6 years of experience in utility-scale energy project management; 1–2 years of BESS or solar-specific experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of BESS system components: lithium-ion batteries, power conversion systems (PCS), and BMS/EMS systems.
• Experience managing construction-phase activities on infrastructure or energy projects, including contractor coordination, schedule management, and budget tracking.
• Familiarity with permitting, interconnection, and regulatory frameworks in U.S. energy markets.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time to project sites, team meetings, and customer or vendor engagements.

Skills & Competencies

• Problem-Solving: Adaptable and flexible; operates effectively in a fast-paced, small-team environment and approaches challenges with a creative, proactive mindset.
• Project Execution Management: Skilled in project management, risk tracking, and vendor coordination; drives accountability across the project team and delivers results.
• Communication Skills: Develops clear, multi-mode communications across different audiences, including internal teams and external partners; strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Organizational Skill: Manages competing priorities across active workstreams; uses resources effectively and maintains focus on continuous improvement.
• Integrity & Judgment: Makes sound, timely decisions that keep projects moving forward; demonstrates integrity, honesty, and authenticity.

Why Join Us?

Make a Meaningful Impact : Play a direct role in accelerating the energy transition by contributing to transformative, utility-scale energy storage projects—especially on complex brownfield and urban-constrained sites where innovation drives real-world results.

Thrive in a Mission-Driven Culture : Be part of a lean, agile team that values integrity, innovation, and decisive execution. We foster a collaborative environment where every team member has a voice and is empowered to make a difference.

Grow with a Company on the Rise : Join at a pivotal moment as we scale from startup to growth stage. You’ll have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence outcomes, and grow professionally alongside a company backed by top-tier private equity and poised for significant expansion.

Elevate is an Equal Opportunity employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome all applications regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or Veteran status.