Program Manager, Construction & Energy Infrastructure in Chicago
Job Description
Program Manager, Construction & Energy Infrastructure
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Department: Market Management Center
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Reports To: Director, Market Management Center
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Location: Manteno, Illinois (on-site)
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Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
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Position Summary
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The Program Manager, Construction & Energy Infrastructure is a dual-function role within the Market Management Center at Gotion Illinois New Energy. This position is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of energy infrastructure projects — including the Pioneer Power Station BESS and future hub deployments — while simultaneously managing all on-site construction activity, contractor coordination, and project milestones. The ideal candidate brings a strong program management background combined with direct construction field experience, and is comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level.
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Key Responsibilities
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Program & Project Management
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- Own end-to-end program planning across energy infrastructure projects, from development through commercial operation date (COD).
- Maintain integrated master schedules, track milestones, and proactively flag risks to project timelines and budgets.
- Coordinate across internal teams (engineering, procurement, legal, government relations) and external partners (EPC contractors, utilities, interconnection teams).
- Manage scope, schedule, and budget performance across concurrent projects, escalating issues as appropriate.
- Support preparation of executive updates and project status reports for Director and senior leadership.
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Construction Management
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- Serve as the Owner's on-site representative during construction phases, managing contractor and subcontractor performance against EPC agreements.
- Conduct regular site walks, safety inspections, and progress reviews; document findings and drive corrective actions.
- Review and approve contractor submittals, RFIs, change orders, and payment applications in coordination with the project team.
- Coordinate with ComEd, permitting authorities, and inspectors to support timely interconnection, energization, and certificate of occupancy milestones.
- Ensure construction activities comply with applicable safety standards, OSHA requirements, and site-specific protocols.
- Manage site access, logistics, and material staging to maintain an organized and efficient construction environment.
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Cross-Functional Coordination
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- Collaborate with the Sales Electrical Engineer to align technical specifications with commercial deliverables and customer requirements.
- Support hub expansion planning by applying lessons learned from Pioneer to subsequent domestic and international deployments.
- Interface with the Power Station Manager on operational readiness and commissioning coordination.
- Assist in developing and maintaining project documentation, SOPs, and lessons-learned records to support a repeatable hub model.
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Qualifications
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Required
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- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in program or project management, with at least 2 years in a construction management or owner's representative capacity.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder construction or energy infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with EPC contract structures, change order management, and contractor oversight.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams under deadline pressure.
- Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent) and standard MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership.
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- Experience in utility-scale battery energy storage, solar, or grid infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with PJM interconnection processes, ComEd coordination, or Illinois permitting requirements.
- Experience working with SPV or joint venture project structures.
- PMP, CCM, or equivalent professional certification.
- Bilingual (English/Mandarin) is a plus but not required.
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Working Conditions
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- This position requires regular on-site presence at the Manteno, Illinois facility and construction sites.
- Occasional travel to other hub sites, partner facilities, or regulatory offices may be required.
- Must be able to perform site walks in varying weather conditions and navigate active construction environments.
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