BESS Senior Project Manager

WellSuited Talent

Senior Project Manager – Utility-Scale Energy Storage (Remote, CA)

We’re seeking a full-time Senior Project Manager (Senior PM) with utility-scale battery energy storage (BESS) experience to lead projects from late-stage development through construction, commissioning and commercial operation (COD) across California. Our client is a Blackstone-backed independent power producer that develops, owns and operates energy storage and hybrid solar + storage projects across North America. They have more than 22 GW in development and 33 projects in operation or under construction, and they’re looking for a proven leader to help deliver their next wave of California projects.

The Senior PM will be responsible for the overall success of each project, including budget, schedule, EPC and contractor management, interconnection milestones and stakeholder relationships. They will also coordinate across internal development, engineering, finance and operations teams. This is a remote position. The Senior PM should be based in California and can expect to travel regularly to project sites as needed.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The Senior Project Manager will:

• Lead all phases of assigned projects, from late-stage development and Notice to Proceed (NTP) through construction, commissioning, COD and turnover to operations
• Manage project budgets, cost control, forecasting and monthly cost reporting
• Oversee procurement and contracting, including EPC, BESS supply, balance-of-plant and subcontractor agreements
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, tracking long-lead equipment and critical-path milestones
• Manage the change order process, contractor invoicing, milestone payments and contract claims
• Coordinate interconnection requirements and milestones with CAISO and California utilities
• Oversee permitting, environmental and land-use compliance (including CEQA) with internal teams and outside consultants
• Serve as the primary point of contact for EPC contractors, equipment suppliers, utilities, agencies and the communities hosting projects
• Lead regular project, contractor and leadership meetings, and provide status reporting to executives and financing partners
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality and accountability across all project sites
• Manage risk registers and mitigation plans across a portfolio of projects at the same time
• Lead closeout, including punch list, warranties, as-builts and turnover documentation

Education:

• 4-year degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field required

Work Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in utility-scale energy, power or heavy civil construction, with at least 4 years as a Project Manager or Senior PM
• Proven experience delivering utility-scale BESS, solar or hybrid projects (100+ MW) from construction through COD
• Experience with California permitting, CAISO interconnection, or California utility (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) requirements strongly preferred
• Experience managing EPC contracts, budgets and schedules on large-scale capital projects
• 2+ years leading cross-functional teams and managing contractors

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of the utility-scale project lifecycle, including cost control, scheduling, contract administration and commissioning
• Working knowledge of BESS systems, inverters, medium- and high-voltage electrical systems, and substation interconnection
• Strong negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong critical thinking and proactive problem-solving abilities
• Highly organized with attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects at once in a remote setting
• Working knowledge of Primavera P6 or MS Project, Procore or a similar platform, and Microsoft Office
• PMP certification preferred
• OSHA 30-hour certification preferred
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, adaptable, accountable, ethical and collaborative