Commercial Solar Project Manager

Vital Energy

$80K — $120K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Renewable Energy, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 3-5+ years managing commercial solar and/or battery energy storage projects.
  • Proven track record in budgeting, scheduling, permitting, and construction management.
  • Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
  • Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Familiarity with NEC, OSHA, energy storage codes, and local building regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the full lifecycle of solar and battery energy storage projects from feasibility to PTO.
  • Perform SWOT analyses for project planning and prioritization.
  • Collaborate with various teams to define scope, timeline, and deliverables.
  • Develop and maintain project schedules with timely updates.
  • Create and manage project budgets in line with financial objectives.
  • Serve as the primary contact for all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure compliance with regulations and secure necessary permits.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with regular site visits to project locations.
  • Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
  • Impactful work in renewable energy sectors including solar and battery storage.
  • Exposure to cross-functional team collaboration and project management best practices.
Full Job Description
*** NOT A REMOTE POSITION ****

COMMERCIAL PROJECT MANAGER- INTERNAL

The Commercial Solar Project Manager will oversee the full lifecycle of mid- to large-scale commercial and utility solar and battery energy storage projects-from feasibility and contract negotiation through commissioning and permission to operate (PTO). This individual will coordinate cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely project delivery. This is a hybrid role with regional travel, requiring strong leadership, communication, and project execution capabilities.

Key Responsibilities Project Planning & Execution
  • Manage all aspects of solar and energy storage project development from greenfield or acquisition through PTO, including feasibility, engineering, permitting, interconnection, and commissioning.
  • Perform SWOT analyses on individual projects and across the pipeline to support strategic planning and prioritization.
  • Collaborate with sales, engineering, permitting, interconnection, legal, project finance, procurement, and construction teams to define scope, timeline, and deliverables.
  • Develop and maintain project schedules and weekly status reports, ensuring timely updates on progress, risks, and milestones.

Financial Oversight
  • Create, track, and manage project budgets, aligning with contractual terms and financial objectives.
  • Provide cost forecasting, reporting, invoicing, and manage change orders and financial closeout for both solar and battery storage systems.

Stakeholder Communication
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, vendors, and internal departments throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Compile and present detailed project reports with actionable insights based on data analysis and site-specific factors.
  • Lead regular project meetings, status updates, and reviews with all stakeholders.

Compliance & Documentation
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including NEC, OSHA, and environmental and energy storage standards.
  • Secure permits, coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and maintain full project documentation including drawings, contracts, and closeout packages.

Contractor & Vendor Management
  • Select, negotiate with, and oversee subcontractors and vendors to ensure quality, safety, and timely execution.
  • Monitor field activity and verify alignment with plans, standards, and industry best practices.

Risk Management & Quality Control
  • Identify risks across solar and battery energy storage projects and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Oversee quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), testing, inspections, and commissioning procedures.

Qualifications

Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Renewable Energy, or related field-or equivalent industry experience.
  • 3-5+ years of experience managing commercial solar and/or battery energy storage projects.
  • Demonstrated success in budgeting, scheduling, permitting, and construction management.
  • Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
  • Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Familiarity with NEC, OSHA, energy storage codes, and local building regulations.

Preferred:
  • PMP or similar project management certification.
  • NABCEP certification in solar or energy storage.
  • Experience with battery energy storage system (BESS) design and implementation.
  • Experience with CRM and ERP platforms (e.g., Salesforce, NetSuite).


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Hybrid work environment with regular site visits, including rooftop and battery storage locations.
  • Ability to climb ladders, walk on rooftops, and operate standard office equipment.
  • Regional travel to project sites up to 25%.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Vital Energy

More Energy & Utilities Jobs

Find similar Commercial Solar Project Manager jobs: