Special Projects Manager

The Special Projects Manager plays a pivotal role in planning, coordinating, and executing unique and innovative initiatives within the solar photovoltaic field.
This role involves managing the full life cycle of specialized projects, with a focus on optimizing solar power systems, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and Customer satisfaction.
The Special Projects Manager will collaborate with Operations Management, cross-functional teams, and external partners to drive the delivery and profit margins of strategic initiatives.
This is a remote role and requires travel up to 50%.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Project Development and Management: o Lead the planning, development, and communication of special projects including feasibility studies, risk assessments, and project timelines.
• Budget Management: o Develop and manage project budgets, driving cost, quality, and margin improvements.
o Monitor project expenditures and provide regular financial updates to ESS leadership.
• Risk Management: o Identify potential risks associated with special projects and implement mitigation strategies.
o Proactively address challenges and obstacles to ensure project success.
o Encourage and embody a culture of safety.
• Technology Integration: o Explore and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies relevant to special project and repowering industry trends.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: o Work closely with operations, performance/monitoring, and development to align special projects with broader organizational goals.
o Communicate effectively with internal team, third-party vendors, and actively participate in client and team meetings.
o Perform visual, mechanical, electrical inspection, maintenance, and testing of a variety of commercial and industrial solar systems as part of project delivery.
o Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, communication issues, and develop corrective action plans as part of project delivery.
o Perform commissioning and audit services for Solar electric systems.
o Ensure that all technical and electrical activities performed at project sites complies with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) requirements and warranties.
• Documentation and Reporting: o Maintain detailed project documentation, including project plans, lessons learned, and proactive feedback within ESS CMMS platform.
o Communicate regularly with Clients, updating the on project timelines, deliverables and next steps.
o Generate regular reports summarizing the status, P&L, achievements, and challenges of special projects.
o Record and report all faults, deficiencies, and other nonconformance's on site.
Document time, material, and travel expenses for the completion of daily responsibilities within ESS CMMS platform.
o Note general field conditions on site, including vegetation management issues, security risks, and debris impacts.
QUALIFICATIONS: • High school diploma or equivalent; Degree or technical certification in related electrical field.
• NABCEP certified PV Installer Specialist or PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist preferred.
• Active Journeyman Electrician’s license preferred.
• Four (4) to Six (6) years of demonstrated experience operating and maintaining electrical systems.
• Specific Solar O&M or installation experience.
• Experience with power generation, solar technologies.
• Valid driver’s license.
• OSHA 30-Hour strongly preferred.
SKILLS: • Capable of managing multiple project timelines simultaneously and meet time sensitive deadlines on time.
• Ability to work independently and ask for guidance when needed.
• Experienced working with electrical systems and solar photovoltaics.
• Comfortable operating in low voltage and non-hazardous situations and supervising subcontractors operating in the same environment.
• Able to safely identify and mitigate hazardous situations.
• Knowledge of I/V curve tracing software, thermographic analysis, and other solar specific advanced troubleshooting methodologies.
• Proficient troubleshooting with Isolation Diagnostics Equipment (i.
e.
, Megger or Isolation testers) • Ability to interpret and comprehend PV System As-built drawings and electrical single lines.
• Strong written/verbal communication skills and ability to professionally communicate with external facing clients and stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook.
• Have a strong attention to detail.
• Be a self-starter with strong time management skills.
• Knowledge of Data Acquisition Systems.
• Able to travel up to 50% on short notice and be available during non-traditional working hours.
• Operate in 600Vac, 1500Vdc situations safely without direct supervision.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Be able to drive a vehicle confidently and with a high degree of safety.
• Be able to stand for long periods of time and walk distances up to three miles a day.
• Be able to navigate ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps while maintaining 3 points of contact.
• Have the visual acuity for depth perception, no field of vision issues, and to distinguish between colors.
• Be comfortable working in a variety of climate conditions which may include but are not limited to, extreme heat (temperatures above 100°F) or extreme cold (temperatures below 32°F) for periods of more than one hour.
• Be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.