Construction Manager

Orenda is on a mission to make the grid more efficient with renewable energy projects and proprietary asset management technology. We develop, build, own and operate battery energy storage projects in dense urban environments to bridge the gap between renewables and electricity consumption. We are a dynamic, NYC-based startup at the forefront of a new industry. We are seeking highly motivated and incredibly talented individuals who wish to contribute to our mission. About the Team Orenda’s Project Execution Division is responsible for taking projects from late-stage development through commercial readiness and into safe, predictable construction delivery. We own the operating system that makes delivery repeatable at scale: decision-grade scopes, standardized readiness artifacts, cost and risk narratives, and disciplined handoffs into construction. We partner cross-functionally with Development, Pre-construction, Procurement, and Finance to ensure project inputs are synchronized before mobilization and exceptions are explicit. About the Role The Project Manager, Construction is Orenda's field execution leader, responsible for delivering multiple BESS projects safely, on schedule, and within budget. You will own each project from the notice to proceed through commissioning and handover to asset management, managing scope, schedule, cost, safety, and contractor performance across a concurrent portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Construction, you are the primary decision-maker on your projects. You direct the general contractor, coordinate with utilities and equipment vendors, manage the commissioning process, and drive each project through closeout. You represent Orenda with contractors, landowners, AHJs, and other external stakeholders while working closely with development, pre‑construction, and asset management internally. This role also carries responsibility for building the construction team. You will onboard and mentor new members of the construction team, giving them real project responsibility and coaching them toward independent leadership. The position requires regular travel to active project sites across all five NYC boroughs. This role is ideal for: a builder-operator who can run the field with calm authority and commercial discipline. You have deep experience delivering complex electrical or industrial projects end-to-end, and you treat safety, schedule, and cost control as non‑negotiables. You can lead GCs and trade partners without drama, resolve scope conflicts quickly, and translate messy field reality into crisp decisions and reliable forecasts for leadership. You thrive in a fast-moving environment where process, documentation, and disciplined handoffs are how we scale predictable construction delivery. What you’ll do Project Ownership & Delivery: Own each project starting at NTP, managing multiple concurrent builds to deliver them on schedule, within budget, and ready for operations. Advance projects by resolving uncertainties, working through disputes, and addressing field challenges before they stall progress. Contract & Cost Management: Interpret project contracts, identify conflicts or gaps between agreements, and coordinate with legal and commercial teams to resolve them. Review contractor change orders and distinguish valid scope changes from work already covered. Track project budgets, produce cost forecasts, and review contractor payment applications against actual progress. Schedule Management: Track critical-path activities, identify what drives the completion date, and produce reliable schedule reporting and forecasts. When delays occur, interpret them against contractual requirements and recommend a recovery path. Technical Review & Coordination: Read civil, structural, and electrical drawings and catch errors in submittals before they reach other groups. Evaluate contractor proposals and identify scope gaps in BESS‑specific systems, including battery racks, inverters, HVAC, and fire suppression. Safety: Set safety expectations for each project and ensure contractor compliance. Review contractor safety plans, respond to incidents, and verify that corrective actions are adequate. The target is zero recordable incidents across all managed sites. Commissioning & Closeout: Manage each project through commissioning, punch list resolution, and handover to operations. Coordinate commissioning activities with the contractor, equipment vendors, and internal operations. Assemble turnover packages that meet contract and operational requirements. Reporting & Process Improvement: Build and maintain the tracking and reporting systems that give management reliable budget, schedule, and forecasting data. Identify improvement opportunities and turn them into process or policy recommendations. Provide feedback to development, pre‑construction, and other internal groups to improve future projects. Team Development: Onboard and develop new construction managers and other construction team members so they can independently manage BESS construction projects. Delegate real project work, provide direct feedback, and hand off more responsibility as people prove ready. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. 5–7+ years of direct construction project management experience, preferably involving complex electrical infrastructure, industrial facilities, or power generation. Extensive experience managing active construction sites, with strong knowledge of construction means and methods, sequencing, and field problem solving. Proven ability to manage complex construction schedules and coordinate across utilities, AHJs, and contractors. Strong commercial experience including contract management, change orders, and progress payment review. Demonstrated safety expertise in industrial or commercial construction environments. Strong financial acumen with experience in monthly forecasting and cost‑to‑complete reporting. Proficiency with scheduling software and construction project management platforms. Preferred Qualifications (Bonus) Experience in Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) or broader renewable energy projects. Prior experience working with NYC agencies (DOB, FDNY) and Con Edison in complex interconnection environments. Professional Engineer License, PMP or CCM certification. Skills and Attributes Organized, process-driven, and capable of running multiple complex projects at once without dropping balls. Makes timely, well-reasoned decisions on commercial and field issues, and knows when to elevate. Communicates clearly in writing and in person. Produces concise project updates that give leadership what they need to act. Works effectively across departments and builds strong working relationships with contractors, utilities, and AHJs without compromising Orenda’s position. Takes full ownership of project outcomes and holds contractors accountable without being adversarial. Positive, solutions-oriented mindset and genuine work ethic. This is a full‑time, in‑office position based at Orenda's headquarters in Brooklyn, NY. The role requires extensive and regular travel to active project sites across all five NYC boroughs. Why Join Orenda? At Orenda, you’ll help build the real‑world infrastructure that makes the energy transition possible. You’ll join a mission-driven culture that values ownership, accountability, continuous learning, high performance, and genuine collaboration. We work hard, move quickly, and enjoy doing it together. In addition to the chance to do important work with a great team, Orenda offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent: Base Salary: The anticipated base salary range for this full‑time position in New York City is $120,000–$170,000 per year. The final base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. Bonus: In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible for a significant annual performance-based bonus. Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) plan, with 3% employer match Lifetime Fitness corporate membership Monthly commuter stipend Learning and education stipend Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy Regular company events Orenda Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair and inclusive hiring and employment practices in accordance with federal, NewYork State, and NewYorkCity law. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment—including hiring, promotion, compensation, or termination—on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr