EPC Preconstruction Manager
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About GreenSpark Solar GreenSpark Solar is an independently owned, mission-driven renewable energy company founded in 2002. We’re committed to making clean, cost-effective energy solutions accessible to all while building a healthier, more sustainable future for the communities we serve.
Loyal to People, Loyal to Planet is our brand promise. As a New York State Benefit Corporation, we measure success against a triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit, creating positive outcomes for our employees, customers, communities, and the environment.
We believe our work matters. Every project we complete helps expand access to clean energy while creating meaningful benefits for the people and communities we work in. When you join GreenSpark, you'll be part of a team that combines purpose-driven work with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
At the same time, we have fun doing it. Our workplace reflects our values, from our fleet of all-electric and hybrid vehicles to our dog-friendly office culture. We strive to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Position Summary The EPC Preconstruction Manager is accountable for every project from sales handoff to Notice to Proceed (NTP) and construction readiness. This role leads the preconstruction team that does the work while balancing preconstruction decisions against total installed cost, constructability, safety, quality, and the overall project schedule - not only design completion, purchase price, or the NTP date. Each project turned over to Operations team on schedule, within budget, and with every NTP condition closed. You will set priorities and standards, assign owners, review and approve the team's deliverables, remove roadblocks, and drive decisions across Design, Engineering, Procurement Construction, Finance, and Legal for Solar & BESS projects.
Key Responsibilities
The Preconstruction Manager is accountable for each area below, while also being an integrated part of EPC delivery, partnering with Construction from sales handoff through execution to align design, engineering, and procurement decisions with total installed cost, field execution, and project margin. The team does the work, and the manager sets direction, reviews, approves, and escalates to the Executive Director of EPC. This role must ensure that Construction team staff participate in decisions affecting installation methods, equipment suitability, delivery sequencing, and field execution without giving up authority for technical compliance and engineering/design standards. Help to set and operate within written delegated authority for spending commitments, awards, change orders, and contingency use. Record approvals and escalate unresolved cross-functional conflicts and decisions outside of stated authority to the Executive Director of EPC. Team Leadership
- Lead, hire, and develop the preconstruction team, including Designers, Project Engineers, Professional Engineers, the Procurement Specialist, and the Preconstruction Sourcing Lead.
- Assign team members to projects, balance workload across the portfolio, and set clear deliverables and due dates.
- Set team standards, templates, and QA/QC reviews.
- Set performance goals, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and conduct performance reviews for direct reports.
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Sales-to-Preconstruction Handoff
- Ensure every sold project undergoes a formal handoff that validates scope, budget, schedule, site data, and customer commitments.
- Accept the handoff only when complete, and approve the preconstruction baseline, including the budget, schedule, NTP conditions, and an owner for each deliverable.
Design and Engineering
- Be accountable for design packages delivered by Designers, Professional Engineers, and outside consultants, from preliminary design through issued-for-construction (IFC).
- Ensure designs meet applicable codes and the requirements of local, state, and federal authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), utilities, customers, and financiers, and support permitting, interconnection, and procurement on schedule.
- Require constructability and value-engineering reviews with Construction and approve design changes against the budget.
Equipment Procurement and Sourcing
- Be accountable for the procurement strategy and need-by dates for major and long-lead equipment, including modules, inverters, racking or trackers, transformers, and switchgear, with execution by the Procurement Specialist.
- Ensure the Preconstruction Sourcing Lead maintains a qualified, competitive bench of vendors and subcontractors.
- Review bid leveling and approve or recommend awards; ensure supply risks, including tariff, trade-compliance, and domestic-content requirements, are identified and mitigated.
Subcontracting
- Ensure scopes of work, bid packages, and subcontractor prequalification - including safety, licensing, insurance, and bonding - meet company standards.
- Approve or recommend subcontract awards and confirm the correct prime-contract flow-downs before execution.
Budget and Cost Control
- Own the project budget from the sold estimate through the approved construction baseline, protecting the sold margin.
- Review commitments, forecasts, and contingency with the team, and report variances with a recovery plan.
- Approve preconstruction change orders within authority limits.
Schedule
- Ensure Project Engineers maintain an integrated preconstruction schedule through NTP and mobilization, covering design, permitting, interconnection, procurement, financing, and contract milestones.
- Manage to the critical schedule path. Drive recovery actions and escalate when dates slip.
Contracts and Commercial Requirements
- Be accountable for compliance with the prime contract and related agreements, including EPC contracts, power purchase agreements (PPAs) or leases, interconnection agreements, and financier and incentive program requirements.
- Ensure contractual milestones, notice deadlines, liquidated damages, insurance, bonds, and security requirements are tracked and met; partner with Legal on contract review.
NTP Closeout
- Be accountable for closing every NTP condition, including permits, interconnection approvals, site control, IFC design, executed subcontracts, equipment orders, and financing conditions.
- Certify the NTP package and present it for approval.
Construction Readiness and Turnover
- Sign off that each project is ready to build, with IFC drawings, permits in hand, executed subcontracts, confirmed equipment delivery dates, secured site access, and a baselined budget and schedule.
- Ensure complete turnover of each project to the Operations team and other relevant internal and external stakeholders once all NTP conditions are met.
Collaboration and Communication
- Facilitate and lead weekly preconstruction meetings, and drive decisions to closure across Sales, Development, Construction, Finance, and Legal.
- Report status, risks, and decisions needed to leadership, customers, and financiers.
- Continuously improve the preconstruction process across the portfolio.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with the position's scope and applicable requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 7+ years in solar, renewable energy, or electrical construction; 3+ years managing people, ideally a team of designers, engineers, or procurement staff; and a track record of accountability for commercial solar and BESS projects of 1–20 MW from contract execution through NTP.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in budgeting, cost forecasting, and critical path method (CPM) scheduling using MS Project or Primavera P6.
- Knowledge and Expertise: Working knowledge of design, engineering, equipment procurement, and subcontracting sufficient to review, challenge, and approve the team's work; and working knowledge of EPC contracts, utility interconnection, AHJ permitting, and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Core Competencies: Demonstrated capabilities in the areas below.
- People leadership: Hires, builds, and manages the preconstruction team; delegates clearly; coaches; and holds the team accountable for quality and deadlines.
- Ownership: Treats the NTP date and budget as personal commitments, even when others perform the work.
- Leadership: Aligns Sales, Development, Construction, Finance, and Legal around one plan.
- Commercial judgment: Reads contracts closely, identifies risk early, and supports the team in challenging vendor and subcontractor negotiations.
- Technical fluency: Understands photovoltaic (PV) system design, electrical balance of system, civil and structural scope, and interconnection sufficiently to review the team's work.
- Cost and schedule discipline: Keeps baselines current and acts on variances before they become problems.
- Decisive escalation: Surfaces issues early, with options and a recommendation.
- Clear communication: Provides concise status updates to executives, customers, financiers, and field teams.
- Portfolio oversight: Keeps projects at different stages moving simultaneously by directing the team's priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, civil, or mechanical), construction management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years in preconstruction, project development, or project management.
- PMP, NABCEP (PV Installation Professional or PV Design Specialist), PE or EIT, or DBIA certification.
- Experience with battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.
- Familiarity with project finance and tax-equity closing requirements, including federal tax-credit compliance related to prevailing wage and apprenticeship, domestic content, and begin-construction rules.
- Experience with state incentive and solar programs in New York, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
- Experience with Acumatica or a similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for project budgets and cost tracking.
Work Environment and Position Requirements
- Work Environment: Primarily desk-based work in an office or remote setting, with occasional visits to project sites, including active solar construction sites. Site visits may involve uneven terrain, varying weather conditions, construction noise, and proximity to operating equipment. Compliance with site safety procedures and use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) is expected.
- Schedule: Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Additional hours may be required as needed to meet job responsibilities, project deadlines, or operational demands.
- Travel: Occasional travel to project sites, up to 5% of the time.
- Position-Specific Requirements: Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.
Perks & Benefits
- Weekly pay
- Quarterly bonus potential based on company performance
- 401(k) profit sharing plan
- Comprehensive Medical & Dental Insurance
- Contributions toward medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums, as well as health deductible expenses, for employees and their covered dependents
- Flexible work schedule and hybrid work arrangements
- Three weeks (120 hours) of vacation time, plus flexible paid time off (PTO) after the first year
- 12 days (96 hours) of paid sick leave
- Eight paid company-wide closure days
- Company-issued cell phone or reimbursement
- Opportunities for professional growth through training and development programs
- Annual company retreat to foster team building and company culture
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and counseling services
- Pet-friendly work environment
GreenSpark Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and seek to remove barriers and increase opportunities, access, and advancement for all people. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicants and employees may request accommodation in accordance with applicable law and company procedures. We encourage all interested candidates to explore this opportunity – reach out with any questions; we are here to support you!
