Pre-Construction Manager

The Pre-Construction Manager for the Solar Division is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the pre-construction process for commercial and utility-scale solar projects. This includes project feasibility, budgeting, scheduling, permitting, estimating, and collaboration with design, development, and construction teams to ensure seamless project handoff. This individual will be a key team member supporting business development and ensuring projects are set up for success prior to breaking ground.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Pre-Construction Planning & Coordination:

• Lead pre-construction efforts for solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) projects from concept through contract execution.
• Collaborate with development, estimating, design, permitting, procurement, and operations teams to coordinate early-phase project activities.
• Review solar PV designs for constructability, cost, and schedule implications.

Estimating & Budgeting:

• Develop and manage preliminary budgets and detailed cost estimates.
• Coordinate with internal estimating teams and subcontractors to validate scope, pricing, and risk.
• Support value engineering and cost-saving strategies.

Scheduling:

• Establish and maintain project milestone schedules.
• Work with project teams to develop critical path and resource-loaded schedules.

Permitting & Regulatory Coordination:

• Support entitlement and permitting efforts by working with AHJs, utilities, and local agencies.
• Understand Chicagoland and Illinois-specific solar regulations and incentive programs (e.g., IPA, CEJA, etc.).

Subcontractor & Vendor Engagement:

• Identify and engage qualified solar-specific subcontractors and suppliers.
• Support bid solicitations and review scopes of work for alignment with project needs.

Business Development:

• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and RFP responses as technical support.
• Prepare pre-construction deliverables, presentations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in commercial construction with at least 2 years focused on solar PV systems.
• Proven experience managing the pre-construction process on renewable energy or infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with solar system design, permitting, interconnection processes, and utility coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, scheduling software (MS Project or Primavera), and estimating tools.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Experience with Illinois solar incentive programs and utility coordination processes.
• NABCEP certification or solar-specific technical training.
• Prior experience working in or with a self-performing general contractor.

BEAR Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.