Company History Tri-State Energy (TSE) is a 40-year client-focused energy solutions provider committed to delivering engineering-driven strategies that improve facility performance, reduce operational and maintenance costs, and provide long-term reliable solutions by seamlessly combining technical engineering with project implementation. We focus on providing energy engineering and MEP contracting support for facility optimization and decarbonization initiatives.
The New Jersey Construction Manager serves as a core operational leader at Tri-State Energy (TSE) directing complex, multi-faceted mechanical and commercial energy efficiency projects from inception through closeout and commissioning. This role is responsible for overseeing multi-million-dollar lighting and HVAC retrofits, managing strategic contractor networks, enforcing high-level safety compliance, and driving energy program implementations across commercial, industrial and institutional facilities. The candidate must reside in New Jersey.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Management & Mechanical Operations
- Direct the complete lifecycle of large-scale lighting system upgrades, mechanical installations, HVAC retrofits, and integrated Building Management System (BMS) implementations across New Jersey facilities.
- Oversee site logistics, major equipment lifts, mechanical sequencing, and rigorous system commissioning to guarantee full operational performance and energy model compliance.
- Drive project workflows, submittals, schedules, and budgets, leveraging tools such as Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, CRM’s and Procore for seamless tracking and cross-functional visibility.
- Resolve technical, structural, and field engineering challenges promptly to maintain project timelines and deliverable quality.
- Partner & Contractor Management
- Manage and cultivate strategic relationships across a network of 30+ subcontractors, engineering firms, and vendor partners.
- Proactively identify and recruit prospective mechanical and electrical contractor partners. Conduct interviews, manage seamless onboarding, and lead training to ensure partner success and compliance.
- Direct contractor selection, scope definition, bidding workflows, procurement, and ongoing field performance evaluations.
- Establish standard operating procedures and onboarding pathways for new subcontractors to align contractor performance with TSE standards.
- Lead follow-up and escalation protocols for audit and proposal workflows to ensure project timelines remain on schedule.
- Safety Leadership & Compliance
- Serve as active member of the TSE Safety Council.
- Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive safety protocols, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and OSHA compliance standards across all active job sites and contractor networks.
- Lead network-wide subcontractor compliance initiatives, tracking and verifying ISN safety ratings and PSE&G qualification standards.
- Conduct regular Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) field audits and safety inspections to mitigate risk, maintain zero-incident environments, and ensure regulatory alignment.
- Educate and hold third-party contractors and internal teams accountable to TSE’s strict environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines.
- Energy Program Execution & Utility Administration
- Lead project development, scope verification, and technical execution for clean energy and utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs.
- Coordinate technical audits, facility energy assessments, and incentive documentation required for program approvals and maximize utility rebate realization.
- Partner with facility owners, municipal leaders, and utility representatives to facilitate final closeout reviews and utility incentive distributions.
- Team Leadership, Mentorship & Process Optimization
- Supervise and mentor assistant project managers, guiding their development in project controls, closeouts and site operations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional sales teams to provide technical guidance, resolve prospect objections and drive deal closings.
- Structure and lead internship rotations, providing hands-on learning modules across site visits, QA/QC testing and procurement.
- Continuously refine internal operational processes, project tracking mechanisms, and communication channels between field teams, executive management, and external stakeholders.
- Serve as an integral member of the management team, driving relationships throughout our vast network of subcontractors and utility partners.
Qualifications & Core Competencies Experience & Technical Expertise
- 5+ Years of Commercial Construction Industry Experience: Demonstrated expertise in commercial HVAC systems, lighting retrofits, hydronic/air distribution, controls, and energy management technology.
- Energy Program Management: Knowledge of New Jersey clean energy incentives, utility rebate frameworks, and commercial project closeout standards.
- Safety Accreditation: Extensive experience in field safety, OSHA standards, hazard mitigation, and safety committee leadership.
Software & Technical Skills
- Project Management Tools: Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and presentation software (Excel / Power Point), SharePoint, CRM’s (HubSpot) and construction management software (Procore) for pipeline management, reporting, and contractor databases.
- Operations: Deep familiarity with technical submittals, construction sequencing, RFP/RFQ development, line-item budgeting, and field commissioning.
Professional Leadership Traits
- Strategic leadership with a strong focus on team mentorship, cross-departmental coordination, and contractor accountability.
- Superior communication skills tailored for executive briefings, municipal client presentations, and job-site trade leadership.
Physical Demands of the Job The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; sit, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, grasp, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; push or pull; talk and hear; use repetitive motions.
- The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- The employee must have visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading and visual inspections of site plans.
Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to the following work environment:
- The employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
- The employee is subject to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, mechanical and electrical rooms, rooftop, moving vehicles, and electrical current.
Diversity TSE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. TSE prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, age, marital status, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. TSE makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
TSE is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. TSE is a drug-free workplace.
Screening TSE makes offers of employment contingent upon (1) successful completion of a routine background investigation and reference check, (2) drug testing, and (3) Act 34 Child Abuse clearance.
Why work for us?
- Medical, vision, dental insurance and more
- 401(k) with company match
- Company-provided life insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Education reimbursement program with management approval.
- Annual paid time off
- Observance of 8 Federal Holidays
Work Schedule
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though supervisory work will often occur on 2nd shift
- 40-hour work week
- Occasional weekends
- On-call requirement