Head of Project Delivery – Pre-Construction & Construction

Head of Project Delivery – Pre-Construction & Construction

Leap29 are working with a leading developer, financier, owner, and operator of distributed generation (DG) commercial, industrial, and community solar projects across the United States. Since its inception, the company has been dedicated to project development within the North American DG solar sector.

With $20 billion in assets under management and a portfolio exceeding 300 megawatts of operational projects, the company maintains a strong presence primarily in the Northeast and Midwest.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Project Delivery to lead and oversee our preconstruction, project management, and construction teams. This key leadership role is responsible for ensuring the seamless and successful execution of solar PV projects, from initial planning through completion.

You will be instrumental in providing strategic direction, fostering a high-performance culture, and maintaining strong partnerships with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms. The ideal candidate will drive operational excellence, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor directors across preconstruction and project management teams, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.

• Establish and implement best practices to improve efficiency, collaboration, and communication between teams.

• Define and uphold industry-leading construction quality standards across all projects.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), provide feedback, and drive continuous improvement.

Preconstruction Management

• Oversee all preconstruction activities, including feasibility assessments, budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.

• Work closely with engineering, procurement, and development teams to ensure optimized project designs that align with financial and regulatory requirements.

• Approve project plans, ensuring they meet cost and operational objectives.

• Ensure a smooth transition between preconstruction and construction phases by proactively identifying risks and challenges.

Construction Oversight

• Direct and oversee the execution of solar PV projects, ensuring adherence to budget, timeline, and safety protocols.

• Provide leadership to site management teams, quickly addressing challenges to keep projects on track.

• Monitor active projects and implement corrective actions when necessary.

• Champion the adoption of innovative construction methodologies to enhance efficiency and outcomes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between preconstruction, engineering, development, and construction teams to ensure alignment and seamless project transitions.

• Contribute insights during project design and development to enhance constructability and cost-effectiveness.

• Work with procurement teams to secure timely delivery of materials and equipment, preventing delays.

EPC Partnership Management

• Develop and nurture long-term relationships with EPC partners to ensure high-quality project execution.

• Lead negotiations with EPC firms to secure competitive pricing and maintain high-performance standards.

• Build strategic alliances with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to enhance efficiency.

• Continuously assess EPC partner performance, implementing improvement plans as necessary.

Financial Oversight & Risk Management

• Develop and manage budgets for preconstruction and construction, ensuring accurate forecasting and cost control.

• Identify and mitigate financial risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Review and approve change orders, ensuring thorough assessment of financial impacts.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including permitting, environmental standards, and grid interconnection requirements.

• Champion a strong safety culture across all projects, ensuring strict adherence to protocols and best practices.

• Maintain accurate documentation of all compliance-related activities.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• 10 years of experience in construction management, with a focus on preconstruction and project management in the solar or renewable energy sector.

• Proven experience managing and mentoring senior professionals, particularly directors in preconstruction and project management roles.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.

• Extensive experience overseeing large-scale solar PV projects from preconstruction through commissioning.

• Expertise in managing EPC partnerships, including contract negotiations and quality assurance.

• Deep understanding of solar power systems, permitting processes, grid interconnection, and regulatory frameworks.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully deliver complex projects on schedule and within budget.

• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, cost forecasting, and risk mitigation.

• Proficiency in project management tools such as Procore, Smartsheet, and Microsoft Project.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please send your Resume through to Rob Byrom.