Pre-Construction Manager

Sol Systems is seeking an experienced professional to serve as Pre-Construction Manager in our Washington, DC headquarters. This position will reside within the Project Operations department and the utility scale development business.

Sol Systems is a leading solar energy firm based in Washington, DC, dedicated to building a more sustainable future. Founded in 2008, the company deploys renewable energy infrastructure across the United States, with a specific focus on ensuring that these projects have a positive economic impact on the communities in which they operate. The company has financed or developed over $2 billion of solar energy assets to date. We work with some of the largest corporations in the world to achieve a carbon-free and sustainable future. Sol has been founder-lead throughout its 15 years of operations, and is backed by KKR, one of the largest private equity firms in the world.

Role Description

The Pre-Construction Manager will be responsible for collaborating with internal teams and external partners to successfully and accurately lead the transition of late-stage development assets through the contracting phase and ultimately to the construction phase. This role will work directly with development, engineering, construction, finance, and sales to appropriately plan, scope, and prepare projects for success. This individual will take a leading role in engaging the solar industry, construction contractors, vendors and service providers and identifying key partners for Sol Systems projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate and coordinate with development, project management, and finance teams to prepare assets for financing and construction.
• Lead coordination of constructability evaluations and review of site conditions to ensure alignment between development designs and construction feasibility and to implement measures that mitigate risk and optimize commercial goals
• Translate and document development requirements, commercial and technical conditions, and key risks/metrics into an EPC scope, schedule, budget, and execution plan.
• Lead and manage EPC RFP processes inclusive of dataroom review, RFP material preparation, bid administration, bid evaluation and normalization, and selection process for construction projects.,
• Primary role in EPC negotiations alongside finance and legal teams and driving efforts towards target price, schedule, scope and risk, and act as liaison for the development and technical teams.
• Provide development support for new project opportunities, inclusive of staged EPC pricing, indicative schedules, and coordinating business development leads to help originate new customers.
• Build and maintain project estimating capabilities and enhance our efforts to appropriately estimate EPC pricing with multiyear forecasts and capture site specific considerations.
• Invest efforts to broaden and strengthen EPC and subcontractor partners for our portfolio of projects. Identify and qualify construction partners for key markets and build healthy relationships that are based on common goals and shared success through repeatable transactions.

Education and Experience:

• BS or MS degree in Engineering or Construction Management or related field or equivalent trade experience;
• 5+ years of project management, contracting, and estimating experience, or equivalent combination of experience.
• Prior experience working within a solar development or EPC company in the US market
• Knowledge of PV building construction, materials, systems, market conditions and trade practices.
• Extensive and broad knowledge of relevant codes, standards, construction practices and engineering principles required to construct a renewable energy plant.
• Experienced with estimating software like Accubid, scheduling software like MS Project or Primavera, and Microsoft Office
• Proven track record of purchasing success in the construction industry

A successful candidate will possess the following competencies, skills and attributes:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational, leadership, interpersonal communication and management skills.
• Highly motivated, self-starter, ability to work well with others and be an enthusiastic team player
• Direct solar or renewable energy industry experience a plus
• Experienced in contract negotiations and understanding of commercial terms and outcomes that alleviate execution risks
• Ability to research and network within the solar and construction industry and build relationships and partnerships for the company
• Resilient and accustomed to creative problem solving across multiple stakeholders
• Enjoys and invests in building team and company culture and can bring positive energy to the workplace

Location & Hours: This is a full-time role and will be based in our Washington, DC office. 

Commitment & Compensation: Compensation will be commensurate with experience. In addition, Sol Systems provides health insurance, retirement benefits, partial gym reimbursement, education benefits, parental leave, paid vacation, sick and federal holidays, and the opportunity to work in a unique and dynamic environment.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter and salary requirements. Applicants that are missing items from this list will not be considered.

Sol Systems is an equal-opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, creed, or other trait. Sol Systems supports and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.