Manager of Project Delivery

SUMMARY:
Nelnet Renewable Energy offers a vast portfolio of solutions to help support residents, commercial and industrial customers, landowners, developers, investors, CleanTech and ClimateTech innovators, and educational institutions in meeting their renewable energy goals. As a large, diversified company driven by a purpose to serve, we deliver broad expertise, innovative solutions, financial capital, and established networks to help our customers and partners power a more sustainable future.

NRE offers a vast portfolio of solutions to help support residents, commercial and industrial customers, landowners, developers, investors, CleanTech and ClimateTech innovators, and educational institutions in meeting their renewable energy goals. As a large, diversified company driven by a purpose to serve, we deliver broad expertise, innovative solutions, financial capital, and established networks to help our customers and partners power a more sustainable future.

Nelnet Renewable Energy is proud to be a Nelnet company. Founded over 45 years ago, Nelnet is a publicly traded (NYSE: NNI), investment-grade company offering a diverse set of solutions across a wide range of markets and industries. Our involvement in renewable energy began in 2018 with a commitment to fund over $142 million for the building of solar energy projects via tax equity financing. Since then, our commitment grew, leading us to develop a new brand, Nelnet Renewable Energy, offering a range of renewable energy solutions. In 2022, we acquired leading engineering, procurement, and construction firm GRNE Solar, enabling us to offer expert residential, commercial, and small utility-scale installation services.

The Manager of Project Delivery (East) is pivotal in leading our construction management team and skilled labor contingent, ensuring the smooth construction of our renewable energy projects. This role demands a unique blend of leadership, solar design and construction expertise, and a deep understanding of construction management to deliver projects efficiently and effectively. This role currently oversees the construction of solar projects between 500KW and 20MW, both roof and ground mounts, east of the Mississippi river. The current area in which we operate is New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa.

• Lead the Construction Management team and skilled labor force, ensuring clear direction and support for successful project outcomes. Provide mentorship and development to construction managers and other team members to advance the goals of continuous learning and professional development.
• Oversee the construction phase of projects, ensuring they are executed within timeline, budget, and quality standards. Contribute to the Business Development, Preconstruction, and Sustainment phases as needed, as a subject matter expert. Visit project sites and meet with team members and clients as appropriate.
• Develop and enforce construction management strategies, standards, and procedures to enhance project delivery.
• Help foster a culture among field staff of collaboration, respect, professionalism, and trust.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Sustainment, and Project Management to create and enforce a rigorous and standardized Quality Control program for all projects.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Engineers, Safety, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and address any construction challenges.
• Implement rigorous safety and quality control protocols to maintain high standards of construction and compliance with industry regulations and contractual requirements.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier relationships, ensuring contracts are fulfilled and standards are met.
• Report on construction progress, addressing any deviations from the plan proactively.
• Oversee our in-house skilled labor contingent, including managing apprenticeship enrollment and performance, as well as other ongoing education and training for all field staff.
• Ensure strict compliance with all PWA/IRA standards, across all labor- both in-house and subcontracted.
• Ensure that our skilled labor teams have access to the tools, training, materials, and equipment they need to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner at all times.
• Assist the Construction Management team with project schedules, 3-week look ahead schedules, material acquisition and logistics, reporting and documentation, and issues related to human resources.
• Serve as a collaborative resource across the teams at NRE and advocate for the field team.
• Prepare and deliver reports as required to NRE Senior Leadership and to the executive team of Nelnet.
• Assist with the implementation and integration of Procore as our single-point construction management software.
• Support the design, budgeting, and engineering of projects in close collaboration with Engineers, Designers, Project Management, Procurement, and Finance teams.
• Work closely with Legal and Incentives teams to ensure compliance in all respects.
• Work closely with the Strategic Initiatives team to promote NRE, and to work towards continually innovating our process, systems, and methodologies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (preferred), or a combination of experience and education.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in construction management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing installation teams and superintendents.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale construction projects, preferably in the renewable energy sector.
• Minimum of 5 years managing large solar builds, as Superintendent, Construction Manager, or similar.

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of construction processes, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Familiarity with construction management software and technologies.