Project Director – Engineering & Construction (Renewable Energy)

Apex Clean Energy•Charlottesville, VA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of almost 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com . Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future. To ensure clarity in our organizational structure, we will be using the external title "Project Director" while maintaining the internal title of "Project Executive." The Project Executive oversees multiple utility-scale renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and battery storage. This position is essential for advancing our mission to accelerate the transition to clean energy, providing strategic leadership from pre-construction to commissioning, and ensuring projects meet safety, quality, cost, and scheduling goals. This title distinction accurately reflects the role's level of responsibility while aligning with industry standards for external engagements. The Project Executive is a senior leader within Apex Clean Energy’s Engineering & Construction division, responsible for the successful execution of multiple utility-scale renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Reporting to the Vice President of Construction, this role provides strategic oversight and leadership across multiple concurrent projects or large, complex developments from pre-construction through commissioning and commercial operation. The Project Executive serves as a key driver of project performance, ensuring alignment with Apex’s standards for safety, quality, cost, and schedule, while supporting the company’s mission to accelerate the shift to clean energy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; or equivalent experience.
12+ years of experience in utility-scale energy or infrastructure project execution, with a strong focus on renewables.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent projects or large-scale capital projects (typically $200M+), ideally across wind, solar, and BESS.
Strong understanding of project delivery models, including EPC and multi-contract structures.
Proven experience in contract negotiation, commercial management, and project risk mitigation.
Experience operating within an IPP, developer, or EPC organization.
Deep knowledge of construction execution, interconnection processes, and grid integration considerations.
Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing, geographically dispersed teams.
Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of multiple, or single large utility-scale wind, solar, and BESS projects, ensuring delivery from pre-construction through COD in alignment with Apex’s development and operational objectives.
Provide direct leadership and oversight to project managers, and construction management teams across multiple active project sites.
Partner closely with Development, Engineering, Procurement, and Asset Management teams to ensure seamless project handoff, execution, and operational readiness.
Establish and maintain project governance, reporting, and performance tracking to ensure transparency and accountability across all assigned projects.
Drive execution strategies, including contracting models (EPC, multi-contract, hybrid approaches), construction sequencing, and resource planning.
Maintain full accountability for project budgets, schedules, and risk profiles, proactively identifying and mitigating execution risks.
Support and influence procurement strategies alongside Supply Chain, including major equipment sourcing (turbines, modules, inverters, BESS systems) and logistics planning.
Lead commercial negotiations and oversight of EPC agreements, major equipment supply contracts, and construction services.
Ensure compliance with all permitting, environmental, and regulatory requirements, as well as Apex’s internal standards and procedures.
Serve as a senior representative to internal leadership, providing regular updates to the VP of Construction and executive team on project status, risks, and performance metrics.
Foster a culture of safety excellence, quality execution, and continuous improvement across all project teams and sites.
Support the transition of projects to Asset Management, ensuring operational readiness and performance optimization post-COD.