Director, Project Execution (Chicago)

Director of Project Execution

Location: Hyrbid - Chicago, IL

Industry: Community Solar

We are seeking a Director of Project Execution to lead the successful transition of community solar and storage projects from late-stage development into construction and through commercial operation. This person will play a key role on the owner side, managing EPC and contractor relationships, driving contract execution, and ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, on budget, and in alignment with commercial, technical, and utility requirements.

This is a high impact leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of project delivery, contractor management, commercial execution, and cross-functional coordination.

What You’ll Do

• Lead execution of community solar and energy storage projects from late-stage development through construction and COD
• Serve as a primary interface with EPC contractors, subcontractors, utilities, and key external vendors
• Support and manage EPC and construction contract execution, commercial alignment, and change order negotiation
• Oversee project budgeting, scheduling, procurement coordination, and execution risk management
• Partner closely with development, engineering, interconnection, permitting, legal, finance, and leadership teams to move projects forward efficiently
• Ensure alignment with utility requirements, permitting milestones, interconnection timelines, AHJ coordination, and other project obligations
• Monitor contractor performance across scope, schedule, cost, safety, quality, and delivery milestones
• Provide leadership with clear reporting on project health, execution risks, schedule updates, and major commercial issues
• Help improve internal processes and systems to support repeatable, scalable project delivery across a growing portfolio

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in renewable energy project delivery, project execution, construction management, preconstruction, or related functions
• Strong experience with community solar, distributed generation, and or energy storage projects
• Experience working on the developer, or IPP side of project execution
• Demonstrated experience managing EPC contractors, subcontractors, and major external vendors
• Strong background in contract execution, budgeting, scheduling, and execution risk
• Experience taking projects from late-stage development into construction and through commercial operation
• Strong understanding of utility coordination, interconnection, permitting, and local jurisdiction requirements
• Ability to lead cross functional teams and communicate effectively with both internal leadership and external partners
• Comfortable operating in a fast paced, growing environment

Preferred Background

• Experience with both community solar and battery storage projects
• Familiarity with distributed generation project structures, utility programs, and local permitting frameworks