Design Phase Manager I/II – Energy Storage, Preconstruction
Locations: Denver, CO | Minneapolis, MN | San Antonio, TX | Charlotte, NC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: Minimal to None
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a Design Phase Manager to support the development and preconstruction execution of utility-scale energy storage projects across the United States.
This role is ideal for a technically minded Project Manager who enjoys coordinating complex projects, leading cross-functional teams, and driving alignment between engineering, estimating, permitting, development, and construction stakeholders. The position plays a critical role in moving projects from initial opportunity evaluation through preconstruction and into successful field execution.
This is not a field construction management role. Instead, it focuses on technical project leadership, stakeholder coordination, customer interaction, and overall project readiness prior to construction mobilization.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead projects through development, design, permitting, and preconstruction phases.
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Manage project progression through internal go/no-go decision milestones.
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Coordinate proposal development and customer-facing deliverables.
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Oversee third-party engineering and design consultants.
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Partner with estimating teams to develop project budgets, schedules, and execution strategies.
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Coordinate permitting, regulatory, and development activities.
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Track project risks, schedules, financial components, and technical deliverables.
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Align development, engineering, procurement, estimating, and construction teams around project objectives.
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Prepare projects for successful handoff to construction operations.
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Serve as a primary point of contact for customers throughout the design and preconstruction process.
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Facilitate decision-making among multiple stakeholders and drive projects toward consensus and execution readiness.
Qualifications
Required
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline.
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Project Management experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, energy, or industrial projects.
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Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
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Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Preferred
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Utility-scale energy storage (BESS) experience.
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Utility-scale renewable energy experience.
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Experience supporting EPC, design-build, or large infrastructure projects.
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Experience managing third-party engineering or design firms.
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Permitting and preconstruction experience.
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Proposal management experience.
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Knowledge of estimating, budgeting, and project financials.
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Electrical, instrumentation, controls, or power systems experience.
What You'll Be Doing
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Acting as the technical project leader during project development and preconstruction.
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Coordinating engineers, estimators, permitting teams, procurement personnel, developers, and construction stakeholders.
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Driving project execution plans before construction begins.
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Managing customer expectations and project communications.
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Identifying risks and helping teams develop practical solutions.
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Ensuring projects are fully prepared for successful construction execution.
Why This Opportunity
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Minimal travel compared to traditional construction PM roles.
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Highly visible position with significant stakeholder interaction.
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Opportunity to influence projects early in the lifecycle.
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Blend of technical, commercial, and project leadership responsibilities.
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Exposure to rapidly growing utility-scale energy storage and renewable energy markets.
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Strong long-term career growth opportunities within a leading energy infrastructure organization.