Senior Project Manager (Utility Scale Solar)

Vanguard Energy Partners LLC; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard Energy Partners LLC seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead solar, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and microgrid construction projects. The role ensures safety, quality, profitability, and client satisfaction while directing the project team across design, procurement, construction, testing, and turnover.

The SPM will travel, manage contracts and budgets, and mentor project teams to deliver on-time, on-budget completion with excellent client relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8–10+ years of progressive project management experience in renewable energy or electrical construction.
• Experience leading multi-million-dollar projects with cross-functional teams.
• Strong financial, scheduling, and risk management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple large-scale construction projects for the installation of PV Systems, BESS, Microgrids, and other Distributed/Onsite Energy Systems.
• Provide executive oversight of project execution, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, schedule, and profitability.
• Oversee and review subcontractor and vendor shop drawings to ensure technical accuracy and adherence to project specifications.
• Develop and manage scopes of work, RFPs, and subcontractor contracts, ensuring compliance and optimal value.
• Mentor Project Managers and Associate PMs, fostering growth and high performance across the PM team.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client relations

Cost control

Scheduling

Quality assurance

Change management

Safety compliance

Mentoring

Communication

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Electrical systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Construction Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Procore

Primavera

Job description

The Senior Project Manager (SPM) is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and successful execution of Solar, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Microgrid construction projects. The SPM ensures safety, quality, profitability, and client satisfaction through the integrated performance of the project team. This position will require travel. 2:1 rotation.

The SPM’s major responsibilities include project leadership across design review, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and project turnover. Strong expertise in contract administration, client relations, cost control, financial management, scheduling, quality assurance/control, project administration, change management, and safety compliance is essential. The SPM is also accountable for environmental compliance, permitting, public and labor relations, site logistics, and overall project governance to ensure successful delivery.

The SPM is ultimately responsible for defining project objectives, strategy, execution plans, budgets, and schedules. This role provides strategic direction and mentorship to the project team to ensure optimal performance by all functional departments through all project phases—from initiation and construction to closeout and post-project evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple large-scale construction projects for the installation of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Microgrids, and other Distributed/Onsite Energy Systems.
• Provide executive oversight of project execution, ensuring alignment with company goals for safety, quality, schedule, and profitability.
• Oversee and review subcontractor and vendor shop drawings to ensure technical accuracy and adherence to project specifications.
• Develop and manage scopes of work, RFPs, and subcontractor contracts, ensuring compliance and optimal value.
• Evaluate and approve project estimates, budgets, and bids.
• Manage and ensure proper documentation of RFIs, submittals, and design clarifications.
• Oversee all permitting and inspection processes, ensuring compliance and timely closeout.
• Direct the coordination of labor, materials, logistics, and inspections to maintain project schedules.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure exceptional project delivery and client satisfaction.
• Ensure all project contracts, insurance coverage, and compliance documentation are fully executed and maintained.
• Lead project Superintendents and field teams to ensure safe, high-quality, and efficient project execution.
• Maintain and oversee Microsoft Project schedules; provide monthly progress updates to executive leadership.
• Partner with Engineering and Estimating to provide feedback on cost efficiencies, constructability, and best practices.
• Facilitate monthly internal project review meetings with leadership and O&M teams to ensure seamless turnover.
• Champion company safety initiatives and culture across all project sites.
• Oversee project financials, ensuring proper coding, tracking, and forecasting of costs and revenue.
• Develop and present detailed monthly project performance reports and cost forecasts to the VP of Operations and/or President.
• Manage client billing (AIAs), subcontractor invoicing, and payment approvals to maintain positive cash flow.
• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks; provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Mentor Project Managers and Associate PMs, fostering growth, accountability, and high performance across the project management team.
• Act as a key contributor to company-wide process improvement and strategic planning initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8–10+ years of progressive project management experience in renewable energy or electrical construction, including direct leadership of complex, multi-million-dollar projects.
• Strong background in electrical systems, solar, and BESS preferred.
• Proven success managing multiple concurrent projects with strong financial and operational outcomes.
• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and decision-making skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, risk management, and change control.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present effectively to executives and clients.
• Highly organized, analytical, and strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Proficient in project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Procore, and/or Primavera.
• Strong understanding of electrical and renewable energy systems, including Racking, Panels, Inverters, DC/AC wiring, Interconnection, DAS, Battery Systems, Gensets, Turbines, ATS, Switchgear, NEC, and Rapid Shutdown systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, field-based environment with frequent travel.