Project Manager - EV Charging Site Development

Gateway Fleets; California; On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway Fleets is seeking a Project Manager to lead the development of EV charging sites from site selection through commissioning. The role blends construction, real estate development, and project management to deliver networks meeting customer needs and business objectives.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in real estate development, site acquisition, PM, or construction management, plus experience with EV infrastructure. Travel to project sites is required as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a real estate, construction, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in real estate development, site acquisition, project management, or construction management.
• Experience with EV charging infrastructure or energy projects.
• Strong budgeting, ROI analysis, and regulatory know-how.

Responsibilities

• Lead due diligence, site assessments, and feasibility analyses.
• Plan and coordinate projects from acquisition through commissioning.
• Navigate permitting and regulatory compliance, including ADA and environmental reviews.
• Coordinate with utilities, EPCs, engineers, and cross-functional teams.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and vendor contracts; ensure on-time delivery.
• Develop activation handoffs and post-construction operational readiness.
• Interface with municipalities, regulators, and incentives programs.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Urban Planning, or related field

Tools

MS Project

Asana

AutoCAD

GIS

Job description

Gateway Fleets develops and operates commercial electric vehicle (EV) depots and charging infrastructure sites across the United States. We partner with fleet operators in trucking, logistics, and last-mile delivery to electrify their operations, managing everything from site sourcing and utility coordination through construction and long-term operations. Our team brings together real estate, energy, engineering, and infrastructure expertise to solve one of the hardest problems in fleet electrification: delivering a solution that meets the scale of the opportunity.

Role Overview

The Project Manager is a key position responsible for developing EV charging sites from initial site selection through construction completion and commissioning. The role combines construction and real estate development expertise with project management skills and technical knowledge of EV charging infrastructure to build charging networks that meet customer needs and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Due Diligence and Feasibility

• Conduct site assessments, including physical inspections, zoning and use verification, current and future utility availability, and proximate market potential
• Evaluate parking lot layouts, traffic flow, and optimal charger placement
• Assess electrical capacity and proximity to utility service points
• Review property title, easements, encumbrances, and environmental considerations
• Identify permitting requirements and potential regulatory obstacles
• Prepare financial feasibility analyses and ROI projections, and deliver go/no-go recommendations with supporting documentation

2. Project Planning and Coordination

• Work with Engineering and consultants to build project plans covering schedules, budgets, scopes, procurement milestones, and resources
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, construction, utility coordination, site operations, technology, sales, and finance
• Manage schedules from site acquisition through design, permitting, construction, and commissioning
• Maintain project documentation, including contracts, permits, drawings, and correspondence
• Apply project management methodologies and tools to deliver on time and on budget
• Keep Gateway stakeholders informed through system tools and regular engagement

3. Permitting and Regulatory Compliance

• Navigate local, state, and federal permitting for charging infrastructure
• Coordinate applications for building, electrical, and special use permits
• Ensure compliance with ADA, fire, and electrical codes
• Manage environmental review, including CEQA compliance where applicable
• Interface with utilities, planning departments, building officials, and regulators, and resolve issues causing permit delays

4. Utility Coordination

• Partner with the utility consultant and EPC to manage all utility efforts
• Serve as primary liaison with electric utilities for service upgrades, interconnection, and energization
• Work with Engineering on utility service applications and requirements for new or upgraded service
• Negotiate utility costs, timelines, and technical specifications, and manage design review and approvals
• Develop interim charging solutions while awaiting full power upgrades
• Address demand charges, rate schedules, and managed charging programs
• Evaluate transformer, switchgear, and electrical infrastructure options

5. Construction Management

• Select and manage general contractors, electrical contractors, charging equipment OEMs and installers, and facility vendors
• Review and approve construction drawings, shop drawings, and as-built documentation
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and safety compliance
• Manage construction schedules and coordinate trades to minimize delays
• Review contractor invoices, approve payment applications, and resolve change orders and field conditions
• Ensure work complies with approved plans, specifications, and industry standards
• Coordinate final inspections and certificate of occupancy approvals

6. Commissioning and Activation

• Oversee charging equipment installation, testing, and commissioning
• Coordinate with network operations on software configuration and connectivity testing
• Verify functionality of charging equipment, payment systems, and network communications
• Manage punch list items and warranty work
• Develop site activation checklists and operational handoff procedures, and ensure a smooth transition to operations
• Provide training, warranty, and routine maintenance guidelines to stakeholders
• Deliver a post-mortem report with lessons learned and improvement opportunities

7. Budget and Cost Control

• Develop project budgets covering construction and soft costs
• Track expenditures against approved budgets and manage contingency
• Identify cost reduction and value engineering opportunities
• Review and approve invoices from contractors, consultants, and vendors

8. Stakeholder Management and Relationships

• Internal: partner with Acquisitions on site evaluation and diligence; with Engineering on design standards, specifications, and bill of materials; with Supply Chain on procurement and vendor engagement; with Technology and Network Operations on requirements and reporting; with Finance on deal structuring, budgeting, and approvals; with the Incentives team on federal, state, and local funding; and with Operations to ensure sites meet operational requirements
• External: coordinate with economic development agencies, municipalities, and government entities; manage relationships with utilities, contractors, consultants, and vendors; and represent Gateway at industry events, conferences, and community meetings

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Urban Planning, or a related field, or a combination of relevant equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in real estate development, site acquisition, project management, or construction management
• Proven track record managing complex infrastructure projects from concept through completion
• Experience with EV charging infrastructure deployment or energy infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of commercial real estate transactions, lease negotiations, and property agreements
• Experience with permitting processes, building codes, and regulatory compliance
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost estimation, and ROI analysis
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with project management software (MS Project, Asana, or similar)
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites regularly

Preferred

• Knowledge of electrical systems, utility interconnection, and power distribution
• ProCore Project Management Software experience preferred
• Familiarity with EV charging equipment, standards, and network platforms
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar credential
• Experience with GIS mapping and site selection analytics tools
• Knowledge of incentive programs (NEVI, CFI, utility rebates, and state programs)
• Background in fleet operations, logistics, or transportation planning
• Experience with sustainable infrastructure or renewable energy projects

Technical Knowledge

• EV charging technologies (DC fast charging, MCS, and depot charging)
• Electrical infrastructure (service capacity, transformers, panels, conduit) and electrical codes (NEC and local amendments)
• ADA compliance and accessibility standards
• Utility rate structures and demand charge management
• Environmental permitting and NEPA processes
• Construction methods and materials, and site civil basics (grading, drainage, paving)

Software and Tools

• GIS and mapping: ArcGIS, Google Earth Pro
• Financial modeling: advanced Excel
• CRM: Salesforce or similar for site pipeline tracking
• AutoCAD or similar for reviewing site plans and electrical drawings
• Strategic thinking and the ability to balance multiple priorities
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking
• Attention to detail with a focus on quality and accuracy
• Independent, self-directed, and collaborative with cross-functional teams
• Adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving industry
• Customer-focused approach to site selection and development
• Persistence and resilience in navigating complex approval processes
• Results-oriented with a commitment to meeting deadlines

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Office-based with significant field time at prospective sites and active construction projects
• Regular travel (30 to 50 percent) to project sites, property inspections, and stakeholder meetings, including outdoor visits in various weather conditions
• Ability to walk construction sites, inspect installation work, climb ladders, navigate uneven terrain, and access utility equipment
• Comfortable working around active construction with appropriate PPE

Compensation

• Annual base salary range: $130,000 - $140,000, plus bonus plan participation