Project Manager - BESS Project Execution

Elevate Infrastructure • Durham, NC

10d • $120,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Manager, Project Execution is a core member of Elevate’s execution team, responsible for managing utility-scale standalone storage and PV + Storage projects from late-stage development through commissioning and handover to Operations. This role ensures delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards. Working closely with the Director of Project Execution, the Project Manager coordinates day-to-day project activities across internal teams and external partners — including EPC contractors, battery OEMs, utilities, and regulatory bodies — spanning permitting, procurement, engineering, construction, and O&M handoff.

Requirements

• 4–6 years of experience in utility-scale energy project management
• 1–2 years of BESS or solar-specific experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of BESS system components: lithium-ion batteries, power conversion systems (PCS), and BMS/EMS systems.
• Experience managing construction-phase activities on infrastructure or energy projects, including contractor coordination, schedule management, and budget tracking.
• Familiarity with permitting, interconnection, and regulatory frameworks in U.S. energy markets.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time to project sites, team meetings, and customer or vendor engagements.
• Problem-Solving: Adaptable and flexible; operates effectively in a fast-paced, small-team environment and approaches challenges with a creative, proactive mindset.
• Project Execution Management: Skilled in project management, risk tracking, and vendor coordination; drives accountability across the project team and delivers results.
• Communication Skills: Develops clear, multi-mode communications across different audiences, including internal teams and external partners; strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Organizational Skill: Manages competing priorities across active workstreams; uses resources effectively and maintains focus on continuous improvement.
• Integrity & Judgment: Makes sound, timely decisions that keep projects moving forward; demonstrates integrity, honesty, and authenticity.

Nice To Haves

• 1–2 years of BESS or solar-specific experience

Responsibilities

• Provide constructability input during early-to-mid-stage development, including conceptual design review, project schedule development, and CAPEX forecasting.
• Coordinate with the Development team to track permitting milestones, interconnection progress, and site readiness ahead of construction.
• Support EPC selection by assisting with RFP preparation, bid normalization, and internal evaluation — presenting findings to senior leadership for final decision.
• Develop and manage detailed project execution plans, including timelines, procurement schedules, risk registers, and milestone trackers.
• Manage day-to-day project execution across permitting, procurement, and construction to ensure a successful handoff to O&M/Asset Management.
• Coordinate with site-based Construction Managers and third-party inspectors to ensure quality, safety, and schedule compliance.
• Execute projects safely, on schedule, and within budget by implementing proactive cost controls and flagging schedule risks to the Director of Project Execution.
• Participate in constructability reviews and confirm that design and engineering activities meet technical specifications, utility requirements, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate with engineering to track completion of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and support site commissioning activities.
• Review contractor deliverables against technical specifications; escalate gaps and support negotiation of change orders under the direction of senior leadership.
• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for project-level stakeholders, including Development, Finance, Operations, EPC contractors, OEMs, and utilities.
• Identify and escalate risks across technical, commercial, and contractual dimensions; maintain and update the project risk register.
• Maintain project performance reporting including schedule updates, cost trackers, and risk summaries; prepare status reports for the Director of Project Execution and senior leadership.
• Track project costs and expenditures against approved capital budgets; flag variances and support cost control decisions.
• Review and process contractor invoices; manage construction draw schedules in coordination with the Finance team.
• Support EPC and OEM contract administration, including change order tracking, deliverable compliance, and invoice reconciliation.
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure project deliverables align with lender and investor requirements for financial close and COD.

Benefits

• Make a Meaningful Impact: Play a direct role in accelerating the energy transition by contributing to transformative, utility-scale energy storage projects—especially on complex brownfield and urban-constrained sites where innovation drives real-world results.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Culture: Be part of a lean, agile team that values integrity, innovation, and decisive execution. We foster a collaborative environment where every team member has a voice and is empowered to make a difference.
• Grow with a Company on the Rise: Join at a pivotal moment as we scale from startup to growth stage. You'll have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence outcomes, and grow professionally alongside a company backed by top-tier private equity and poised for significant expansion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed