Project Manager (Solar)

Pepper Construction is hiring a Solar Project Manager in Barrington, IL, responsible for managing solar projects over $10M, including client negotiations, risk management, and cost estimation. The role involves coordinating with stakeholders, managing project budgets, and ensuring quality construction. Candidates should have a relevant degree and 5+ years of experience in solar or renewable energy. Travel to meet clients is required about 15% of the time.
With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper Construction provides clients the experience and resources of a national company, combined with the hands-on approach of a local company.

Pepper Energy is looking to add a Solar Project Manager to join our EPC team. This position will be responsible for safe work plans, client negotiations, risk management, cost estimation, contract management and execution strategy. In addition, the Project Manager will be responsible for the business side of the project, managing the full P&L, as well as client management.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management
• Manage Solar project(s) in excess of $10M across various stages of the development lifecycle.
• Partner with our Preconstruction team during the procurement phases and assist with project Bidding, Subcontractor scope development and contract negotiations and awards.
• Ensure seamless coordination between utility company and project key stakeholders – owner, developer, Pepper and MV contractor to achieve project COD.
• Manage pay application approval process in accordance with the contractual terms including review and recommendation of change order approvals
• Monitor construction quality to ensure that all work is installed in accordance with the plans specifications, QA/QC requirements, code requirements, contract requirements and good construction practices.
• Develop and present the projects construction budget. Identify cost reduction opportunities and track cost performance against budget. Produce daily, weekly and monthly reports for internal and external customers.
• Coordinate the production of weekly/monthly project progress reports and inform senior management on the project status.
• Identify and share lessons learned from projects to accurately improve overall project quality, schedule, cost and safety.
• Manage the Project Close out with Owner and all Subcontractors.
• Manage the relationship with the main stakeholders (suppliers, contractors, local communities and administrations) to minimize conflicts and risks for the project.
• Report to the Project Execution Leader/s and Pepper's Senior Management about the status and progress of the assigned projects.
• Lead the project team to achieve the project targets, always starting with Safety, and coordinate/attend the project meetings.
• Foster the continuous improvement with lesson’s learned and innovative ideas.

REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• 5+ years of Engineering and Construction experience in Solar, Power Generation or large Renewable Energy facilities.
• Experience managing self-perform work.
• Experience leading multiple project teams.
• Working Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, SharePoint, Asta Scheduling, Autodesk, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Google Earth, etc.
• Experience presenting to Senior Leadership.
• Position requires travel to meet with clients and support projects throughout the Midwest approximately 15% of the time

The target salary for this position is $130,000. We consider many factors when determining actual hiring salary. These factors may include location, transferable skills, work experience, licensure and certification, business needs, internal equity, and market demands.

Pepper Construction is dedicated to offering our employees a comprehensive and best-in-class benefits package that prioritizes their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. We offer medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans, a generous 401k match, and a student loan repayment benefit. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and personal days, Pepper offers fully paid medical and parental leave, mental health services, and more.

For additional information, visit www.pepperconstruction.com.

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.