Utility Project Manager Jobs in Hackensack, NJ (NOW HIRING)

About UGE 

UGE is a full lifecycle renewable energy development company specializing in distributed generation and utility-scale solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We develop, design, build, and operate clean energy assets across the United States  from the first site assessment through to commercial operation. We're a mission-driven team that moves fast, solves hard problems, and is genuinely committed to accelerating the clean energy transition.

The Opportunity 

The Senior Project Manager (SPM) is responsible for taking conceptual designs to operational reality. This role requires a deep understanding and experience in leading multiple complex projects simultaneously while supporting other Project Managers on their projects and shepherding their successes. This includes planning, scope delineation, design collaboration, procurement coordination, contracting, installation, and closeout/handoff to Portfolio Operations. The SPM creates and tracks project schedule progress against milestones, formulates and tracks full Development and EPC budget and payment forecasting needs, tracks and audits prevailing wage/certified payroll records for projects, and prepares identified reports to UGE Management. 

The SPM must possess a comprehensive knowledge of C&I or community solar components, installation methods, quality control, best practices, AHJ/Utility process and communication requirements, regulatory standards, scheduling, budget tracking and forecasting, progress payment schedules, subcontracting, risk management, and closeout packages. 

What You'll Do  

Strategic Oversight and Leadership: 

• Provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for multiple projects across any region(s). 
• Assumes responsibility (schedule and cost) for the successful completion of projects, from Notice to Proceed (NTP) to Commercial Operation Date (COD) and Portfolio Operations hand-off, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Advanced Contractual Management: 

• Spearheads negotiations and final recommendations regarding contracts, playing a critical role in the recommendations and management of construction activities, consultants, and vendors. 
• Owns contractual oversight responsibilities on projects for major subcontractors, ensuring safety, compliance, quality, and efficiency. 

Budget and Financial Management: 

• Oversees the preservation and optimization of the IRR from the NTP budget approval stage through the handoff to Portfolio Operations.
• Responsible for the overall EPC budget from NTP to Final Completion, making key decisions to preserve the as-modeled condition of the project. 

Team Leadership and Development: 

• Directly oversees internal resources for task management, providing leadership, mentorship, and support to other Project Managers. 
• Fosters professional development and growth within the team, offering guidance and coaching to lower levels of Project Managers and subordinate roles. 
• Acts as a role model, setting high standards and expectations for project execution and team performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Facilitates and enhances collaboration between Development, Engineering, Procurement, and Portfolio Operations teams, ensuring cohesiveness and alignment in project execution.  
• Leads critical meetings and discussions, representing the project team in high-level strategic meetings and decision-making processes. 

Quality and Compliance Assurance: 

• Ensures that all projects adhere to industry standards, legal regulations, and company policies. 
• Implements and oversees quality control measures, consistently monitoring project progress and performance. 
• Ensures Certified payroll for contractors is collected and properly certified for regulations. 

Risk Management and Mitigation: 

• Identifies potential risks and challenges at the regional level, developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies. 
• Holds ultimate accountability for resolving high-level issues and challenges that arise during project execution. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: 

• Maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, partners, Utilities, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and other regulatory bodies. 
• Ensures effective and transparent communication across all levels of the project team and external entities. 

Travel : 15-25% Travel to Project Sites

Who You'll Work With

• Reports to Managing Director, Project Execution  
• Manages multiple external parties as needed to complete projects successfully. 

What We're Looking For  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other quantitative educational background, or equivalent experience. 
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant solar or energy storage project management experience (Solar PV, Energy Storage, or Electrical sectors)  
• Superior oral and written communication skills, tailored for higher-level stakeholder engagement.  
• Advanced ability to drive project teams and entities to success, ensuring deadlines and goals are met. 
• Leadership in fostering a collaborative environment and proactive approach to seeking information and research.  
• Expert in complex problem-solving abilities, including navigating challenging project scenarios and leading innovative solutions. 
• Detail oriented while capable of seeing and understanding the full picture. 
• Collaborate as part of a broader project management team to include, mentor, and develop others.  

Why You’ll Love Working With Us 

• Competitive and thoughtfully structured compensation package, including a strong base salary that reflects your experience and the impact you bring to the role.
• Fully paid Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, your health and peace of mind come first.
• 401(k) with employer match, helping you grow your financial future.
• Generous PTO including 19 days of Vacation/Sick time so you can unplug, recharge, and take care of what matters most.
• Join a smart, collaborative, mission‑driven team that’s actively accelerating the transition to a clean‑energy future and making a real impact on the health of our planet.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Compensation will be based on experience, education, and other relevant factors. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. UGE is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.