Preconstruction Manager (Utility-Scale Solar & Energy Storage)

Employment Type: Full-Time FSLA: Salary/Exempt Division: Arch Energy Department: Arch Energy Reports to: Supervisory Duties: No The Preconstruction Manager leads pursuit strategy and preconstruction activities for utility-scale solar, battery energy storage (BESS), substation, and grid interconnection projects. This role is responsible for developing estimates, evaluating project risks, coordinating design reviews, supporting proposal development, and ensuring a successful transition from preconstruction to execution. Responsibilities / Essential Functions • Lead preconstruction efforts from opportunity qualification through proposal, negotiation, award, and project turnover. • Coordinate conceptual through final estimates for solar, BESS, substation, transmission/interconnection, SCADA, commissioning, and related project scopes. • Develop and maintain the basis of estimate, including quantities, labor assumptions, pricing, contingencies, schedule impacts, and exclusions. • Partner with Engineering and EORs to review owner requirements, drawings, studies, specifications, and constructability considerations. • Develop bid packages, scope matrices, and subcontractor responsibilities. • Support subcontractor and supplier outreach, bid leveling, quote analysis, and market evaluations. • Lead value engineering efforts to improve cost, schedule, constructability, and project performance. • Develop preconstruction schedules, procurement strategies, and execution plans with Operations and Project Controls. • Maintain project risk and opportunity registers and evaluate commercial and contractual requirements. • Lead proposal development, scope narratives, clarifications, assumptions, exclusions, and leadership review presentations. • Coordinate project turnover activities, including estimate assumptions, procurement strategies, risk items, and project commitments. • Capture lessons learned and maintain estimating standards, cost databases, and best practices. Key Skills • Renewable energy preconstruction and estimating • Utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects • EPC project delivery and commercial strategy • Cost estimating and proposal development • Scope development and subcontractor management • Constructability reviews and value engineering • Risk assessment and commercial analysis • Schedule planning and execution strategy • Contract and procurement coordination • Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills • Advanced Excel and estimating software proficiency Required Experience • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Estimating, Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. • 8+ years of progressive preconstruction, estimating, project management, or commercial experience supporting utility-scale renewable energy, power, or infrastructure projects. • Experience developing estimates and proposals for utility-scale solar and/or BESS projects, including substations and grid interconnection scope. • Strong understanding of renewable EPC work breakdowns, labor productivity, subcontractor scopes, equipment procurement, logistics, commissioning, and project indirect costs. • Ability to review civil, structural, electrical, and controls documentation and translate technical requirements into cost, schedule, scope, and risk considerations. • Experience leading subcontractor outreach, scope reviews, estimate reconciliation, value engineering, and proposal development. • Understanding of EPC contracts, owner requirements, allowances, contingencies, escalation, change management, and risk allocation. • Strong presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills. • Advanced experience with Excel and construction management platforms such as HCSS, InEight, Sage Estimating, Procore, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, or similar systems. • Ability to travel for site visits, owner meetings, bidder engagement, and project turnover activities.