Project Director, Solar & Battery Energy Storage

Duke Energy Corporation•Raleigh, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Director is responsible for predictable, successful pre-construction delivery of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage (BESS) projects, from project initiation through funding approval and construction kickoff with the selected contractor. The role sets up complex projects for timely, low-risk construction by establishing scope, schedule, cost, risk management, and stakeholder alignment, and by negotiating contractor and equipment supplier agreements. Projects are primarily executed through Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts and range in value from $100 million to $500 million. The Project Director leads a matrixed team of internal subject matter experts, establishes EPC contractor relationships, and integrates owner responsibilities across development, engineering, construction, transmission, operations, plant integration, project controls, supply chain, environmental, permitting, stakeholder engagement, and other support organizations. The role ensures owner-furnished equipment, grid interconnection requirements, operational readiness, and contractual obligations are delivered successfully. The position reports to a General Manager within Duke Energy's Project Management & Construction organization. It is based at Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina, with other Carolina locations potentially considered. The role is hybrid, and the selected candidate must reside within 50 miles of the listed work location. Occasional travel to project sites, supplier manufacturing locations, and meetings is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Project Management, or a related field and 9 or more years of related work experience; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and 13 or more years of related work experience.
Ability to work lawfully in the United States without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Must reside within 50 miles of the listed work location.
Occasional travel is an essential function of the role.

Nice To Haves

At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience leading complex capital projects.
MBA, master's degree, PMP, PE, AACE, or another relevant professional certification.
Experience delivering utility-scale solar, battery energy storage, power generation, transmission, industrial, or other major infrastructure projects.
Experience managing EPC, design-build, or similar contracting arrangements from an owner or contractor perspective.
Experience managing engineering, grid interconnection, and/or operations of utility-scale generation assets.
Familiarity with utility operations, project controls, commercial management, and contract administration.
Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

Lead utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects after initiation, through funding approval and contracting.
Own pre-construction project performance, including scope, cost, schedule, risk, and stakeholder alignment.
Lead multidisciplinary, matrixed project teams and coordinate effectively across the organization.
Serve as Duke Energy's primary interface with EPC contractor leadership.
Build contractor relationships and hold contractors accountable for contractual commitments, schedule, and project outcomes.
Lead resolution of project issues, recovery plans, claims, and commercial matters.
Coordinate owner scope, owner-furnished equipment, grid interconnection requirements, and operational readiness activities.
Partner with project development teams to ensure originated projects can be constructed within scope, schedule, cost, and acceptable risk expectations.
Manage critical interfaces among EPC contractors, suppliers, transmission organizations, original equipment manufacturers, and internal stakeholders.
Establish project budgets, forecasts, and contingencies with internal partners, and execute contracts.
Identify and mitigate project risks and ensure significant issues are escalated promptly.
Support resolution of commercial matters, contractor claims, and key business decisions.
Provide transparent and accurate project reporting to senior leadership.
Present project risks, opportunities, decisions, and recommendations clearly and effectively.
Build confidence through proactive communication and issue management.