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Commercial Solar Project Manager

Vital Energy
Full-time
On-site
Sebastopol, California, United States
$27 - $32 USD yearly
Solar Panel Inspections

*** 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%.