Project Executive

Potelco, Inc.•Sumner, WA

11d

About The Position

If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals, are accurate, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy using your construction and organizational skills, then we have a role for you! Potelco, Inc. is seeking an experienced Project Executive to join the team on a project in Modesto, California. The Project Executive will provide overall senior leadership for large-scale utility construction projects, serving as the primary point of contact for clients, partners, and internal teams. This role holds full accountability for project performance—safety, schedule, budget, quality, and client satisfaction—from pre-construction through commissioning and closeout. You will oversee contract administration, financial performance, and strategic planning while mentoring project managers and engineers. The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic environments, excels at managing risk, and can lead cross-functional teams across complex, multi-million-dollar projects. Current project assignments include utility-scale solar, battery energy storage (BESS), substation, and transmission construction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil or Architectural Engineering, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
10+ years of progressive construction management experience overseeing large projects ($70M+), with at least 5 years in a senior project leadership role (Project Executive, Senior PM, or equivalent).
Proven ability to manage complex projects from development through closeout, including multiple concurrent projects.
Experience in utility-scale renewable energy, energy storage, solar, or electrical transmission and distribution construction.
Deep expertise in contract management, including EPC, prime, and subcontract structures.
Strong command of project risk management methodologies.
Proficiency with scheduling software (Primavera P6, MS Project) and project controls platforms.
Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage complex, multi-discipline project data with precision and consistency.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; polished presenter to executive and owner audiences.
Proven positive and professional attitude, and strong customer service skills.
Ability to travel as needed.
Must pass mandatory drug and alcohol screening(s).
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

15+ years of progressive construction management experience with a proven track record managing projects in the $100M+ range.
Experience with interconnection processes, GIA requirements, and permitting processes (CUP, CEQA, local jurisdiction approvals).
Familiarity with PPA structures and the interface between project construction milestones and financing covenants.
OSHA 30 certification; LEED AP or equivalent energy/sustainability credential a plus.
Prior experience supporting business development initiatives and building client relationships to win new work.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of accountability for all project outcomes from pre-construction through final commissioning and closeout.
Establish and maintain the project execution plan, aligning scope, schedule, budget, and resources across all project phases.
Lead the execution of large-scale utility construction projects, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, schedule, and budget performance.
Lead weekly project reviews with internal leadership, subcontractors, and the owner/client team.
Ensure seamless coordination across engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning workstreams.
Serve as the primary relationship owner with clients, owners, and key project stakeholders.
Establish and maintain successful customer and community relationships; act as the primary customer contact for all assigned projects.
Collaborate with business development teams to support proposal efforts, preview proposals before submission, and participate in the Request for Proposal process.
Conduct key customer service visits throughout the project, from pre-construction client surveys to closeout, ensuring project commitments are met and issues are resolved.
Maintain strong working relationships with utilities, permitting agencies, subcontractors, suppliers, and the local community.
Prepare and present executive-level project status reports including schedule, cost, risk, and quality metrics.
Build, lead, and mentor the project team, including Project Managers, Superintendents, Engineers, and administrative staff.
Provide strategic leadership and mentorship, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and high performance.
Review work of Senior Project Managers and Project Managers assigned to projects.
Develop team members for future career consideration and training opportunities.
Conduct regular performance reviews and provide clear direction and feedback to direct reports.
Lead by example, offer effective coaching and feedback, and effectively manage performance.
Partner with HR and operations to attract and retain top talent.
Lead all subcontract negotiations, award decisions, and ongoing contract administration.
Manage contract administration including terms, change requests, invoices, progress payments, and warranty provisions.
Manage owner contracts including EPC/prime contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements.
Coordinate with legal counsel and project finance teams on contract structures.
Own the master project schedule; ensure all milestone dates are achieved.
Maintain project budgets, costs, and pricing, ensuring delivery of profitable projects with full cost tracking, forecasting, and cost-at-completion reporting.
Drive schedule recovery plans when variances arise; apply look-ahead scheduling practices across all disciplines.
Manage procurement strategy and lead times for long-lead equipment.
Proactively identify, quantify, and develop mitigation strategies for project risks including engineering gaps, procurement lead times, permitting contingencies, and financing milestones.
Maintain a living risk register and present updates to senior leadership on a cadence appropriate to project stage.
Use the appropriate level of forethought and planning in decision-making to assure project success.
Anticipate issues before they become schedule or cost impacts; escalate with solutions, not problems.
Champion a zero-incident safety culture; ensure all project activities comply with OSHA, company standards, and site-specific safety plans.
Oversee the project quality management plan, ensuring installations meet design specifications, manufacturer requirements, and AHJ standards.
Coordinate final inspections, commissioning activities, and punch list resolution through Certificate of Substantial Completion.
Other duties and tasks, as assigned.