Pre-Construction Manager (Utility-Scale IPP)

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

Owner-Side Pre-Construction Leadership

• 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.

Cost Estimating & Financial Readiness

• 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

Schedule Development & Risk Management

• 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

Engineering & Constructability Review

• 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

Procurement & Contract Support

• 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

Permitting, Interconnection & Grid Coordination

• 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.

Handoff to Construction

• 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

Preferred

• 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.