At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage large-scale solar construction projects with a focus on safety and quality.
- Company: Join a growing renewable energy company making a difference in the solar industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity scheme, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in renewable energy while leading innovative construction projects.
- Qualifications: 8 years in commercial construction, leadership skills, and experience in utility-scale solar preferred.
The predicted salary is between 180000 - 200000 £ per year.
A growing renewable energy IPP is seeking an experienced Director of Construction to oversee a portfolio of utility-scale solar construction projects. Based in Washington DC, this role will lead construction strategy, execution, and team management across multiple projects, ensuring delivery to high standards of safety, quality, schedule, and budget. The successful candidate will bring deep commercial construction experience, strong leadership capability, and the ability to manage complex project execution in a fast-paced environment. This is a high-impact role suited to someone who can balance day-to-day delivery with strategic oversight and operational improvement.
Role Overview
The Director of Construction will oversee and coordinate all aspects of the company’s construction portfolio, from pre-construction through closeout. This role involves leading project teams, managing contractors and vendors, strengthening supply chain relationships, and driving consistent execution across large-scale solar construction programs. This is a senior leadership position that requires strong organisational skills, a practical approach to problem-solving, and the ability to support and develop high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and direct day-to-day operations and strategic direction for large utility-scale solar construction programs.
- Lead, manage, and develop staff across multiple construction projects.
- Provide guidance and leadership to ensure projects meet or exceed company expectations.
- Maintain and develop best-in-class policies and procedures.
- Build and maintain strong supply chain relationships.
- Direct multiple external vendors per project, including General Contractors, A & E firms, commissioning agents, and equipment suppliers.
- Lead high-value relationship management across internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop and execute effective contract administration processes, including prime contracts, subcontracts, change orders, cost forecasts, and supporting documentation.
- Support and coordinate project teams including Project Managers, Project Management Assistants, Site Superintendents, and subcontractors.
- Manage all phases of construction from pre-construction through project closeout.
- Ensure strong communication and alignment across all stakeholders.
Candidate Profile
- 8 years of experience in commercial construction project management or development.
- Degree in Construction Management or a related field preferred; relevant experience considered in lieu of formal education.
- Experience in utility-scale solar construction strongly preferred.
- PMP or other project management certification is preferred.
- Proven leadership experience managing teams and external contractors.
- Strong contract administration and construction execution experience.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, vendors, and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent communication, relationship-management, and leadership skills.
- Comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
What’s on Offer
- Base salary of $180,000–$200,000, with flexibility for exceptional candidates.
- Opportunity to lead major utility-scale solar construction projects.
- Senior leadership role with significant visibility and impact.
- Strong team environment with scope to shape process and performance.
- Good benefits package and equity scheme.
Director of Construction in Utility-Scale Solar in Leeds employer: Climate17
As a leading renewable energy IPP based in Washington DC, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our Director of Construction role offers not only a competitive salary and benefits package but also the opportunity to lead impactful utility-scale solar projects while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Construction in Utility-Scale Solar in Leeds
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Climate17, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Director of Construction in Utility-Scale Solar at Climate17.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Construction in Utility-Scale Solar in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Climate17
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
