Senior Procurement and EPC Manager (Remote Position)
Job Summary:
The Senior Procurement and EPC Manager is responsible for conducting the EPC and equipment purchase process for major equipment (modules, racking, inverters, BESS, HV equipment, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifying new vendors and emerging technologies, maintaining a database of current suppliers, supporting the pre-qualification process and monitoring supplier performance. Works closely with key suppliers that support the overall strategic objectives of the organization and ensure reliable support and supply of materials to projects. May be assigned other tasks as needed.
The Senior Procurement and EPC Manager will support project development on a portfolio of projects in various stages of development, with a strong focus on bringing our late-stage projects through detailed design and construction (Build Transfer Agreements, own-operate fund). This is an opportunity to lead procurement and EPC contracting on a portfolio of development-stage projects with guidance and approvals from management. This position is remote and may require (domestic) travel up to 25%.
This position will work closely with the Development and Engineering teams to minimize risk and deliver cost competitive constructed projects for the company’s growing portfolio of projects. This position will report to the Assistant Director of Engineering.
Responsibilities
- Act as the company’s primary stakeholder for all EPC related matters, particularly in business development and contract negotiations.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize procurement of equipment and/or services; own relationships with major equipment vendors and EPC contractors.
- Review, compare and evaluate supplier proposals with historical and market pricing to determine cost-competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings.
- Review equipment procurement objectives for multiple projects and determine opportunities to make strategic purchases to align with company’s overall strategic goals which includes HV equipment and domestic content.
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Manage the EPC contracting process, including RFIs/RFPs, through facility COD and energization.
- Support commercial negotiations for Equipment Supply Agreements, project specific orders, change orders, etc. with key suppliers in accordance with company policies and guidelines.
- Work closely with internal and external counsel and technical consultants to review Equipment Supply Agreements, EPC contracts, and important company contracts to surface and address any contractual issues and eliminate risk in coordination with PPAs (liquidated damages, performance guarantees, etc.)
- Ensure prime contract flow downs are incorporated into subcontract documents as needed or applicable to scope of work/supply.
- Monitor supplier compliance to contract terms and project requirements.
- Evaluate vendor performance and develop improvement processes based on lessons learned.
- Maintain accurate and complete purchase records in accordance with record retention procedures.
- Oversee preparation of solar, BESS, substation and HV EPC estimates, schedules, and construction budgets. For BESS estimation, oversee augmentation pricing schedules and performance and capacity maintenance guarantees, etc. for LTSA pricing.
- Oversee preparation of O&M estimates and proposals.
- Work closely with manufacturers and Finance to bridge any estimation scope gaps with support from Assistant Director of Engineering.
- Collaborate with development team on early-stage sites and provide recommendations around constructability, earthwork and optimization. Civil cut/fill analysis and pricing a plus.
- Provide guidance to the development team on EPC cost estimating and strategic acquisitions.
- Assist Power Marketing team with RFP bid proposals. Assist Finance in coordinating with IEs and support execution of project closings.
- Work closely with AP and the development team for new vendor applications and qualifications. Track milestone payment schedules to ensure payments are processed and received by the due date. Anticipate long lead equipment purchases and coordinate with development to maintain project schedules and CODs and other critical path milestones (e.g. LGIA requirements).
- Foster a positive working environment to promote transparency, learning, and open communication.
- Organize and improve workflows, establish processes and promote best practices within the Development Team and across the organization.
- Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor of Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain or similar required.
- A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in procurement and EPC oversight for renewable energy development at project size $30MM+, preferably utility-scale solar and BESS.
- Experience with utility-scale energy storage (BESS) and HV (including project substations, gen-tie and network upgrades) projects is highly preferred.
- Experience running Fractal model or other energy storage optimization platform is a plus.
- Experience visiting manufacturer facilities to manage witness and acceptance tests, QA / QC and /or lead third party audits and inspections is a plus.
- Experience with biofuels, biodiesel, alternative fuels, or oil & gas is a plus.
- Experience negotiating, executing, and overseeing EPC contracts and Build Transfer Agreements and delivering projects on time and budget. Experience with global equipment (e.g. MPT, modules) contracts preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully estimate, negotiate, and manage multi-million dollar and multi-year procurement and construction contracts.
- Experience managing an Owner’s Engineer and/or overseeing utility-scale construction including fully permitted (building and electrical) design including value engineering is a plus.
- Well versed around domestic content guidance, ITC / IRS updates, change in law and change in tariff and prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.
- Ability to think creatively to solve complex engineering, construction and technical problems that affect profitability on a project level basis.
- Experience in SERC, WECC and/or ISO markets.
- EPC, module and HV manufacturer relationships. Experience with O&M providers and proposals / pricing is a plus as well.
- Excellent organization and communication skills. Must be able to clearly articulate and identify project risks and solutions in an objective manner.
- Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and assertive while being a team player.
- Ability to self-start and work independently at fast pace, but ask for support when needed.
- Commitment to integrity in all dealings.
- Project Management skills (e.g. GANTT schedules and project budgets).
- Proficient in Smartsheet, MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), G Suite.
- Willingness to travel as needed, up to 25% of the time.
- Remote geographic location OK
- Valid state driver’s license, clean DMV driving record.
Salary and Benefits
· Market competitive based on experience
· Discretionary bonus for project success (post project exit)
· Benefits – Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage
· 401k company match (Up to 6% employer match)
· PTO (15 days) Plus Paid Holidays (10 days)
· Career advancement opportunity
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Solariant Capital, LLC is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our business. We believe that our diverse workforce is our greatest asset in solving hard problems, and we strive to create a workplace that supports all employees to reach their full potential.
We embrace diversity in all forms, including differences in age, ethnicity, gender, religion and abilities. Our diversity initiatives include respectful communication, teamwork, flexible work schedules, and community involvement. All employees are expected to treat others with dignity and respect and are required to attend annual diversity training.
Solariant Capital, LLC does not tolerate inappropriate conduct or behavior against others. Employees who feel subjected to discrimination can seek assistance from a supervisor or HR representative. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees.