The EPC Construction Manager is responsible for the safe, on-time, and on-budget execution of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects delivered under Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts. This role oversees all on-site construction activities, subcontractors, and field teams, ensuring compliance with project specifications, quality standards, safety regulations, and contractual requirements. The Construction Manager serves as the primary field representative of the EPC contractor and works closely with Engineering, Procurement, Project Management, Quality, and Safety teams.
Key Responsibilities
Project Execution & Field Leadership
- Lead all construction activities for utility-scale solar PV projects (typically 5MW–500MW+), from mobilization through mechanical completion and turnover.
- Manage daily field operations, construction sequencing, and workforce planning to meet schedule milestones.
- Serve as the on-site authority for construction decisions, issue resolution, and coordination.
- Represent the EPC company in meetings with owners, inspectors, utilities, AHJs, and third-party stakeholders.
Schedule & Cost Control
- Execute construction activities in accordance with the approved project schedule and budget.
- Identify schedule risks, manpower constraints, and constructability issues; implement mitigation plans.
- Track productivity, quantities installed, and earned value; provide accurate field reporting.
- Support change management, including scope changes, field directives, and potential claims.
Subcontractor & Vendor Management
- Oversee and coordinate all subcontractors (civil, pile driving, racking, electrical, commissioning support).
- Ensure subcontractors comply with contract terms, scope, schedule, safety, and quality requirements.
- Conduct subcontractor performance reviews and recommend corrective actions as needed.
- Coordinate material deliveries, equipment staging, and logistics with Procurement and Site Logistics teams.
Safety Leadership
- Champion a strong safety culture and ensure full compliance with OSHA, site-specific safety plans, and EPC safety policies.
- Lead daily job hazard analyses (JHAs), toolbox talks, and site safety meetings.
- Ensure proper training, PPE usage, and enforcement of safety rules across all site personnel.
- Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure construction work meets approved drawings, specifications, codes, and quality standards.
- Coordinate inspections, testing, and quality audits with internal QA/QC teams and third parties.
- Oversee punch list resolution and ensure timely closeout of quality issues.
- Support as-built documentation, turnover packages, and project closeout activities.
Coordination & Communication
- Work closely with Engineering to resolve RFIs, field design issues, and constructability challenges.
- Coordinate with Project Management on progress updates, risks, forecasts, and client communications.
- Support commissioning and energization activities, including turnover of systems and subsystems.
- Maintain clear, professional communication with all stakeholders.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 7+ years of construction management experience, including 3+ years on utility-scale solar EPC projects.
- Strong knowledge of solar PV construction methods, electrical systems, civil works, and balance-of-plant scope.
- Proven experience managing large subcontractor teams and multiple scopes simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of EPC contracts, schedules, and construction cost controls.
- Proficiency with construction management tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, Procore, or similar).
- Willingness to travel extensively and work full-time on project sites.
Preferred
- Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, OSHA 30, or NABCEP.
- Experience with high-voltage systems, substations, and interconnection scopes.
- Experience supporting commissioning, testing, and project handover to owners.