What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Operating Officer position at talisman?
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
A distributed generation solar and energy storage developer, long-term operator, and financier is seeking a proactive and growth-driven executive to oversee and manage the late-stage development, construction, and operation of its clean energy projects. The company develops and finances solar and battery storage assets across commercial, municipal, and nonprofit sites throughout the United States.
Leveraging a network of trusted partners and installers, tech-enabled operational efficiency, and a proprietary underwriting method, the company designs distributed generation and virtual power plant solutions tailored to the needs of organizations previously unable to access the benefits of solar energy. The platform offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with zero upfront investment, positioning it as a trusted player in the commercial solar DG market.
Backed by capital partners including a leading infrastructure private equity fund with nearly $400 million deployed across high-growth companies, the company is scaling rapidly.
Position Overview
This key member of the Executive Leadership Team will drive project management, optimize cross-functional performance, and ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery in alignment with strategic growth objectives. The role requires strong operational leadership, from early-stage project evaluation to execution and delivery, while managing safety, risk, scalability, and stakeholder relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Executive Leadership
- Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to set and execute the company’s strategic goals.
- Develop and execute operational strategies to support growth, efficiency, and sustainability objectives.
- Oversee the entire project lifecycle, working cross-functionally with Origination, Business Development, Legal, Asset Management, and Finance.
- Lead project teams and mentor project managers and functional staff.
Operational Performance & Optimization
- Implement best-in-class processes and standards for engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and O&M.
- Define and track KPIs to enhance both project and organizational performance.
- Continuously refine construction strategies for efficiency and velocity.
Project Planning & Execution
- Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to streamline execution and enhance revenue.
- Ensure quality standards and client expectations are consistently met.
- Identify and mitigate project risks while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Financial Management
- Lead departmental budgeting, estimate reviews, and performance analysis.
- Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and supply chain strategy.
- Identify operational risks and lead mitigation efforts.
Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
- Represent the company in key meetings and negotiations.
- Proactively manage client expectations and resolve issues.
Safety & Quality Management
- Champion safety on construction sites and enforce compliance.
- Implement quality control procedures.
- Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
Qualifications
- 15 years of progressive experience in operations or project management leadership within the renewable energy industry.
- 10 years leading pre-construction and construction activities, including engineering, design, cost modeling, and contract negotiations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple distributed generation solar projects concurrently.
- In-depth technical knowledge of solar construction, permitting, and project management methodologies.
- Strong financial and analytical skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Deep industry knowledge in solar construction.
- Highly organized with strong problem-solving abilities.
Preferred Skills
- Deep understanding of renewable energy technologies, regulatory trends, and industry standards.
- Experience with civil and electrical systems, utility interconnections, and DG solar policy developments.
- Exposure to community solar, battery storage, and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).
- Self-starter with a process-driven mindset and a bias for execution in high-growth environments.
Location & Travel
The role is ideally based in the New York City area but offers flexibility for partial remote work. In-person meetings will be held periodically in the North East corridor.
How to apply
Please apply by following the link below, including a copy of your resume.
Want to hear more before applying?
Contact the partner leading this search directly (Tom Perkin - tom.perkin@talismanap.com)