Vice President / Director of Preconstruction - Distributed Generation

Leap29; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Leap29 seeks a Vice President or Director of Preconstruction to lead the preconstruction function for its growing distributed energy business in the United States. You will own early-stage project planning, estimating, scheduling and procurement strategy, coordinating across engineering and commercial teams.

The role requires 10–15+ years in energy project delivery, strong EPC contract knowledge, and the ability to communicate complex constraints to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years' experience in project and/or construction management with 5+ years leading preconstruction.
• Proven track record delivering utility-scale or distributed energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of EPC contract structures and project delivery models.
• Experienced in estimating systems and CPM scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction function across estimating, scheduling, procurement and value engineering.
• Assess technical, commercial, financial and regulatory risks for project structuring.
• Oversee conceptual, detailed and firm fixed-price estimates with budgeting accuracy.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize design and cost.
• Develop realistic baseline project schedules considering supply chain and constraints.
• Identify and qualify subcontractors for project requirements.
• Direct technical and commercial response to customer RFPs with executable solutions.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Estimating

Scheduling

Procurement strategy

Value engineering

Contract negotiations

Vendor management

Stakeholder communication

EPC contract structures

CPM scheduling (Primavera/MS Project)

Tools

Primavera

MS Project

Job description

Vice President / Director of Preconstruction - Distributed Generation

Leap29 are seeking an experienced Vice President or Director of Preconstruction to lead and develop the preconstruction function for a growing distributed energy business.

Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will take ownership of early-stage project planning, engineering coordination, estimating, scheduling, procurement strategy and commercial proposals. The role will have a particular focus on the rapidly expanding distributed BESS market, while supporting projects across a broader range of distributed energy technologies.

This is a pivotal role that sits at the intersection of business development and project delivery, translating customer opportunities and project concepts into commercially viable, technically robust execution plans.

The position can be appointed at either Director or Vice President level, depending on the successful candidate's experience, leadership capability and breadth of previous responsibility.

The preferred arrangement is hybrid, with the role based near either the Chicago or New York office. A fully remote arrangement may be considered for an exceptional candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Preconstruction Leadership: Lead the preconstruction function across estimating, scheduling, procurement and value engineering.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluate technical, commercial, financial and regulatory risks to support project structuring and contract negotiations.
• Estimating & Budgeting: Oversee the development of conceptual, detailed and firm fixed-price estimates, ensuring a high level of budget accuracy.
• Value Engineering: Work closely with engineering teams to identify design alternatives that reduce cost while maintaining performance and project objectives.
• Schedule Development: Establish realistic baseline project schedules that reflect critical supply‑chain, procurement and construction constraints.
• Subcontractor Management: Identify, assess and qualify specialist subcontractors appropriate to project requirements.
• Vendor & Procurement Strategy: Lead early procurement activities, including sourcing long‑lead electrical and balance‑of‑plant equipment, and develop project‑specific work packages for contractor selection.
• Proposal Development: Direct the technical and commercial response to customer RFPs, ensuring compelling and executable solutions.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will bring:

• 10–15+ years' experience in project and/or construction management, including at least five years leading preconstruction activities.
• A proven track record delivering utility‑scale or distributed energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of EPC contract structures and project delivery models.
• Strong working knowledge of estimating systems and CPM scheduling software, such as Primavera or MS Project.
• Excellent commercial and negotiation skills, with experience managing contracts, commercial terms and vendor relationships.
• The ability to communicate complex technical constraints, project risks and financial considerations clearly to non‑technical stakeholders and clients.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for a commercially minded and collaborative leader who demonstrates:

• A proactive, solutions‑oriented approach to problem solving.
• Confidence and credibility in client‑facing environments.
• The ability to operate effectively within small, fast‑paced teams.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and external partners.
• A high level of ownership, accountability and commercial judgement.

About the Business

The business is a growing provider of distributed energy and energy infrastructure solutions, supporting customers seeking greater energy resilience, reliability, decarbonisation and economic value.

Its capabilities span a broad range of distributed energy technologies, including:

• BESS
• CHP
• Geothermal and renewable thermal systems

The organisation supports projects throughout the lifecycle, from concept development and feasibility through engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning, to operations, maintenance and asset management.

Its focus is on developing practical, commercially compelling energy solutions that improve resilience, reduce carbon emissions and deliver long‑term value for customers.