Solar Pre-Construction Manager (Utility-Scale IPP) in , United States
Solar Pre-Construction Manager
Birch Creek Energy, a utility-scale solar development company with projects throughout the United States, is seeking a Solar Pre-Construction Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented culture and shares our mission to create a future with more renewable energy.
The Solar Pre-Construction Manager supports the successful execution of utility-scale solar and storage projects by leading all pre-construction activities from late-stage development through notice to proceed (NTP). This role represents the owner's perspective, ensuring projects are de-risked, constructible, financeable, and ready for handoff to EPC partners and internal construction teams.
The position works closely with Development, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and EPC contractors to validate scope, cost, schedule, and risk prior to financial close and construction start. Our headquarters is in St. Louis, with an additional office location in Los Angeles. The ability to work from our STL or LA office is a plus factor, but remote-work candidates with the ability to travel, as needed, are also welcomed.
Key Responsibilities
Lead pre-construction planning for utility-scale solar (and storage, if applicable) projects from late-stage development through NTP
Act as the owner's technical and construction representative during pre-construction
Coordinate with EPC partners to validate construction methodologies, logistics, and sequencing
Ensure alignment between development assumptions and executable construction plans
Complete site walks and constructability review of projects and outline risk and opportunities to successful project execution
Present risk and opportunities around new projects to company leadership.
Review, validate, and challenge EPC cost estimates and schedules
Support development of Class 3 / investment-grade budgets and cost benchmarks
Identify cost drivers, contingencies, and value-engineering opportunities
Support financial models by validating construction inputs, cash flow, and milestone timing
Assist with lender technical advisor (LTA) and independent engineer (IE) reviews
Review and validate EPC baseline schedules and critical path assumptions
Identify schedule risks related to permitting, interconnection, procurement, and site constraints
Develop mitigation strategies for long-lead items and execution risks
Track key pre-construction milestones leading to NTP and financial close
Facilitate Engineering meetings with internal and external engineers and project management teams prior to EPC Contract execution and handoff to Execution Project Managers.
Coordinate constructability reviews of civil, structural, electrical, tracker, and HV/MV designs
Ensure designs align with EPC execution strategies and site conditions
Review design assumptions for cost, schedule, and risk impacts
Support optimization of layouts, access roads, grading limits, and staging areas
Coordinate and manage all RFPs for EPC selections with support from Development, Finance, and Execution teams.
Lead LNTP negotiations with support of legal and commercial contracting team
Manage all pre-NTP budgets and cashflows
Support procurement strategies and procurement team for all Owner Furnished equipment
Review EPC subcontracting plans and supplier selections
Assist with EPC contract exhibits related to scope, schedule, assumptions, and risk allocation
Support negotiation of construction-related commercial terms as needed
Coordinate with Development on AHJ and utility requirements impacting construction
Identify constructability and schedule impacts from permit conditions and interconnection agreements
Support responses to utility and agency comments affecting construction scope or timing
Track, manage, and execute on late-stage development deliverables for company acquired projects.
Prepare and document pre-construction assumptions, risks, and mitigation plans
Lead or support project handoff meetings to internal construction teams
Provide ongoing support through early construction phases as required
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of experience delivering utility-scale solar projects or direct Pre-Construction experience
Strong background in pre-construction, construction management, and EPC oversight
Experience reviewing EPC schedules, estimates, and execution plans
Understanding of owner-side project development and financing processes
Experience working for an IPP, owner, or developer-owner
Exposure to lender technical advisor or independent engineer processes
Experience with HV/MV systems, substations, and transmission-level interconnection
Familiarity with solar + storage projects
Skills & Competencies
Owner-mindset with strong risk identification and mitigation skills
Ability to challenge EPC assumptions constructively
Strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder management
Financial and schedule literacy with attention to detail
Comfortable managing multiple projects through pre-NTP phases
Travel
Up to 30%, depending on project phase and location
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary and bonus.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
Opportunity to work with an innovative and mission-driven company.
Career growth and development opportunities in a fast-growing company and industry.