Program Manager, Construction & Energy Infrastructure

About the Market Management Department

The Market Management department is the core commercial engine of Gotion Illinois New Energy, established and led by the Head of Market Management (Business Development). The department encompasses sales and business development, BESS power station deployment, Virtual Power Plant and peak shaving programs, commercial EV charging, backup power applications, utility and contract negotiations, government and public affairs, construction and union coordination, and strategic advisory services. This role joins a lean, high-impact team operating at the intersection of business, policy, and clean energy infrastructure.

Position Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Program & Project Management

• 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.

Construction Management

• 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.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• 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.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• 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 construction management or owner's representative capacity.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder construction or energy infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with EPC contract structures, 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.

Preferred

• 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.

Additional Information:

• 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.