Vice President / Director of Preconstruction - Distributed Generation

Job Description

Vice President / Director of Preconstruction - Distributed Generation

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Leap29 are seeking an experienced Vice President or Director of Preconstruction to lead and develop the preconstruction function for a growing distributed energy business.

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Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will take ownership of early-stage project planning, engineering coordination, estimating, scheduling, procurement strategy and commercial proposals. The role will have a particular focus on the rapidly expanding distributed BESS market, while supporting projects across a broader range of distributed energy technologies.

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This is a pivotal role that sits at the intersection of business development and project delivery, translating customer opportunities and project concepts into commercially viable, technically robust execution plans.

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The position can be appointed at either Director or Vice President level, depending on the successful candidate's experience, leadership capability and breadth of previous responsibility.

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The preferred arrangement is hybrid, with the role based near either the Chicago or New York office. A fully remote arrangement may be considered for an exceptional candidate.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Preconstruction Leadership: Lead the preconstruction function across estimating, scheduling, procurement and value engineering.
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• Risk Assessment: Evaluate technical, commercial, financial and regulatory risks to support project structuring and contract negotiations.
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• Estimating & Budgeting: Oversee the development of conceptual, detailed and firm fixed-price estimates, ensuring a high level of budget accuracy.
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• Value Engineering: Work closely with engineering teams to identify design alternatives that reduce cost while maintaining performance and project objectives.
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• Schedule Development: Establish realistic baseline project schedules that reflect critical supply-chain, procurement and construction constraints.
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• Subcontractor Management: Identify, assess and qualify specialist subcontractors appropriate to project requirements.
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• Vendor & Procurement Strategy: Lead early procurement activities, including sourcing long-lead electrical and balance-of-plant equipment, and develop project-specific work packages for contractor selection.
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• Proposal Development: Direct the technical and commercial response to customer RFPs, ensuring compelling and executable solutions.
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Candidate Profile

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The successful candidate will bring:

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• 10–15+ years' experience in project and/or construction management, including at least five years leading preconstruction activities.
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• A proven track record delivering utility-scale or distributed energy projects.
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• Strong knowledge of EPC contract structures and project delivery models.
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• Strong working knowledge of estimating systems and CPM scheduling software, such as Primavera or MS Project.
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• Excellent commercial and negotiation skills, with experience managing contracts, commercial terms and vendor relationships.
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• The ability to communicate complex technical constraints, project risks and financial considerations clearly to non-technical stakeholders and clients.
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Personal Attributes

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We are looking for a commercially minded and collaborative leader who demonstrates:

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• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem solving.
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• Confidence and credibility in client-facing environments.
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• The ability to operate effectively within small, fast-paced teams.
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• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and external partners.
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• A high level of ownership, accountability and commercial judgement.
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About the Business

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The business is a growing provider of distributed energy and energy infrastructure solutions, supporting customers seeking greater energy resilience, reliability, decarbonisation and economic value.

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Its capabilities span a broad range of distributed energy technologies, including:

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• BESS
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• CHP
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• Fuel cells
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• Linear generators
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• Solar
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• Geothermal and renewable thermal systems
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The organisation supports projects throughout the lifecycle, from concept development and feasibility through engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning, to operations, maintenance and asset management.

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Its focus is on developing practical, commercially compelling energy solutions that improve resilience, reduce carbon emissions and deliver long-term value for customers.

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If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please send your Resume through to Rob Byrom.