Renewable Energy Project Manager

BEAR Construction Company; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

BEAR Construction Company seeks a Solar Project Manager to drive solar initiatives from preconstruction through completion. You will coordinate with owners, developers, utilities, and subcontractors, ensuring safety, quality, and adherence to budget.

You will oversee pay apps, change orders, and client communications, while reporting progress to senior management. Travel within the Midwest is required as projects demand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Experience in solar/renewable energy or large-scale PM.
• Experience leading multiple project teams and self-perform work.
• Proficiency with MS Office and construction software (Procore, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, SharePoint).
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead solar projects from development through construction and completion.
• Coordinate with owners, developers, utilities, subcontractors, and authorities.
• Monitor quality and safety, ensure plans, specs and codes are met.
• Manage project budgets, costs, and provide regular reports.
• Oversee pay applications and change orders per contract terms.
• Lead project meetings and present progress to clients.
• Drive closeout with stakeholders and implement lessons learned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Eng or Construction Mgmt

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

AutoCAD

SharePoint

Job description

Founded in 1984, BEAR Construction Company is a family-owned General Contracting and Construction Management firm based in Chicagoland, completing projects throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. Alongside our 100+ full-time professionals, we employ a large team of union carpenters, laborers, and painters. BEAR Construction’s Solar Division delivers community solar and commercial rooftop projects across the Midwest, combining technical expertise, safety-first practices, and client-focused execution.

Position Overview

BEAR Construction is seeking a Solar Project Manager to lead solar projects from preconstruction through completion. The ideal candidate is highly organized, forward-thinking, and committed to safety, financial performance, and client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Manage solar projects throughout all stages of development and construction
• Partner with Preconstruction teams for bidding, subcontractor scope development, contract negotiation, and award
• Coordinate all stakeholders, including owners, developers, utility companies, subcontractors, and local authorities
• Monitor construction quality, ensuring compliance with plans, specifications, QA/QC, codes, and best practices
• Develop and manage project budgets; track costs, identify savings opportunities, and provide regular project reports
• Oversee pay applications and change orders in accordance with contract terms
• Lead project meetings, report progress to senior management, and present project updates to clients
• Manage project closeout with owners, subcontractors, and stakeholders
• Foster continuous improvement, implementing lessons learned and innovative solutions
• Ensure safety is the top priority on all job sites

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience
• Experience in solar, renewable energy, or large-scale construction project management
• Experience managing multiple project teams and self-perform work
• Proficiency with MS Office, scheduling, and construction software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, SharePoint)
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost control
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel within the Midwest to support projects and client meetings

Opportunities for Growth

BEAR Construction offers cross-training, additional responsibilities, and internal advancement opportunities to support career growth. Our Solar Division is rapidly expanding, providing a unique chance to lead high-impact projects while shaping the division’s future.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BEAR Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.