Project Director, Solar & Battery Energy Storage

Duke Energy•Charlotte, NC

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Director (PD) is responsible for predictable, successful pre-construction delivery of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects, from project initiation through funding approval and contracting, culminating in 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. The PD reports to a General Manager in Duke Energy's Project Management & Construction (PMC) organization. Projects are primarily delivered through Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts and range in value from $100 million to $500 million. The PD leads a matrixed team of internal subject matter experts, develops EPC contractor relationships, negotiates contractor and equipment supplier agreements, and integrates owner responsibilities for project delivery. This includes coordinating development, engineering, construction, transmission, operations, plant integration, project controls, supply chain, environmental, permitting, stakeholder engagement, and support organizations to deliver owner-furnished equipment, grid interconnection requirements, operational readiness, and contractual obligations. PMC builds Duke Energy's next generation of power infrastructure and supports a major capital investment program, including utility-scale solar generation, battery energy storage, natural gas generation, advanced nuclear, pumped storage hydro, and emerging energy technologies. The organization serves as Duke Energy's owner organization for project execution, integrating multidisciplinary requirements to safely place assets into service and deliver long-term customer value. The position is based at Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina, though other locations in the Carolinas may be considered. It is classified as hybrid, and the selected candidate must reside within a 50-mile radius of the listed work location. Occasional travel to project sites, supplier manufacturing locations, and meetings is an essential function; the posting lists travel as up to 20% and also as 15–25%. Relocation assistance may be provided, as applicable. This position is not visa sponsored; candidates must be able to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

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, High School/GED and 13 or more years of related work experience.
Ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Reside within a 50-mile radius of the listed work location.
Travel is an essential function of the role; the posting specifies occasional travel up to 20% and separately lists travel requirements of 15–25%.

Nice To Haves

At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience leading complex capital projects.
MBA, master's degree, PMP, PE, AACE, or other 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 work across the organization.
Serve as Duke Energy's primary interface with EPC contractor leadership.
Establish working relationships with contractors and hold them 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 internal project development teams to ensure projects are constructed within scope, schedule, cost, and acceptable risk expectations.
Manage interfaces among EPC contractors, suppliers, transmission organizations, original equipment manufacturers, and internal stakeholders.
Establish project budgets, forecasts, contingencies, and execute contracts with internal partners.
Identify and mitigate project risks and escalate significant issues in a timely manner.
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.
Travel to current and future project sites, supplier manufacturing locations, and internal and external face-to-face meetings as needed.