Director, Project Management

Job description

About UGE UGE is a full lifecycle renewable energy development company specializing in distributed generation and utility-scale solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We develop, design, build, and operate clean energy assets across the United States from the first site assessment through to commercial operation. We're a mission-driven team that moves fast, solves hard problems, and is genuinely committed to accelerating the clean energy transition. The Opportunity The Director, Project Management is responsible for leading the successful execution of UGE's project portfolio, transforming conceptual designs into operational assets. Serving as the right hand to the Managing Director, Project Execution, this role provides strategic leadership across multiple complex projects while mentoring and supporting Project Managers to ensure consistent project success. The Director oversees all phases of project execution, including planning, scope definition, design coordination, procurement, contracting, construction, commissioning, and handoff to Portfolio Operations. This role is responsible for driving project schedules, monitoring progress against key milestones, managing Development and EPC budgets and cash flow forecasts, ensuring compliance with prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements, identifying and mitigating project risks, and preparing executive-level reports and performance updates for UGE leadership. This role requires a proven track record of leading the execution of complex renewable energy projects and driving operational excellence across a project portfolio. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of C&I and community solar development, construction, commissioning, budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management, while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. What You'll Do Strategic Oversight, Portfolio Leadership & Governance: Provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for multiple projects across any region(s). Assumes responsibility for the successful completion of projects, including schedule, cost, quality, and risk management, from Notice to Proceed (NTP) through Commercial Operation Date (COD) and Portfolio Operations hand-off. Leads the Project Management organization and oversees the project portfolio by establishing governance frameworks, execution standards, project controls, KPIs, and best practices to drive consistent project delivery. Defines resource allocation strategies and portfolio priorities to ensure projects are executed in alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Provides executive oversight of portfolio performance, including capital deployment, forecasting, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation. Financial, Contractual & Risk Management: Oversees the preservation and optimization of project IRR from NTP budget approval through handoff to Portfolio Operations. Responsible for the overall EPC budget from NTP to Final Completion, making key decisions to preserve the as-modeled condition of projects. Spearheads negotiations and final recommendations regarding contracts and provides executive oversight of construction activities, consultants, vendors, and major subcontractors. Ensures contract compliance while maintaining safety, quality, efficiency, and project objectives. Identifies potential risks and challenges, develops mitigation strategies, and holds ultimate accountability for resolving critical issues that arise during project execution. Organizational Leadership & Operational Excellence: Builds and strengthens the Project Management organization through strategic hiring, talent development, mentoring, and performance management. Directly oversees Project Managers and internal resources, providing leadership, coaching, and support to drive successful project execution. Establishes high standards and expectations for project performance while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Leads initiatives to improve execution quality, consistency, scalability, and operational performance across the project portfolio. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Drives alignment and collaboration across Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Finance, Legal, Asset Management, and Portfolio Operations teams. Leads critical meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes, representing the Project Management organization in executive and strategic forums. Maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, consultants, vendors, utilities, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and regulatory agencies. Ensures effective, transparent communication across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders. Reports key portfolio metrics, risks, and performance insights to executive leadership. Quality, Compliance & Safety: Ensures all projects adhere to industry standards, legal regulations, safety requirements, and company policies. Implements and oversees quality control measures, continuously monitoring project progress and performance. Ensures contractor compliance with certified payroll and other applicable regulatory requirements. Travel: 15-20% travel to project sites as required Work Location & Schedule This is an onsite hybrid position. Candidates are expected to work fromour New York City office four days per week, with one work-from-home day each week. Candidates who are not currently located within commuting distance of either office must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not provided. What We're Looking For Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other quantitative educational background, or equivalent experience. A minimum of 8 years of relevant solar or energy storage project management experience (Solar PV, Energy Storage, or Electrical sectors) Superior oral and written communication skills, tailored for higher-level stakeholder engagement. Advanced ability to drive project teams and entities to success, ensuring deadlines and goals are met. Leadership in fostering a collaborative environment and proactive approach to seeking information and research. Expert in complex problem-solving abilities, including navigating challenging project scenarios and leading innovative solutions. Detail oriented while capable of seeing and understanding the full picture. Collaborate as part of a broader project management team to include, mentor, and develop others. Why You’ll Love Working With Us Competitive and thoughtfully structured compensation package, including a strong base salary that reflects your experience and the impact you bring to the role. Fully paid Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, your health and peace of mind come first. 401(k) with employer match, helping you grow your financial future. Generous time so you can unplug, recharge, and take care of what matters most. Join a smart, collaborative, mission‑driven team that’s actively accelerating the transition to a clean‑energy future and making a real impact on the health of our planet. Our Commitment to Inclusion Compensation will be based on experience, education, and other relevant factors. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. UGE is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.