Director of Preconstruction

Taylor Hopkinson is seeking a Director of Preconstruction in Austin, Texas for a leading global energy company with a strong U.S. presence, focused on renewable power generation and energy solutions. It develops, owns, and operates utility-scale wind, solar, and battery storage projects across the country. Has 10 GW of operating renewable capacity and a large development pipeline.

The Director, Preconstruction leads the mid- to late-stage project lifecycle to ensure renewable energy projects are optimized, de-risked, and fully prepared for handoff to execution. This role oversees a regional team responsible for engineering, estimating, scheduling, contracting, and cross-functional alignment, supporting a high-value project pipeline. The position also drives continuous improvements to the preconstruction operating model, strengthens team capabilities, and provides strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Additionally, this leader serves as a key interface with EPCs, EORs, Development, and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, high-quality project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the regional preconstruction team to optimize and de-risk projects, ensuring they are shovel-ready and effectively transitioned to execution
• Manage team resourcing, workload prioritization, and support projects advancing through offtake RFPs
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including playbooks, processes, and team training
• Coach and mentor team members to enhance technical, project management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Provide clear, actionable recommendations to senior leadership on project and portfolio-level decisions
• Support EPC strategy development and oversee contract negotiations, including direct involvement when needed
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with EPCs and EORs to optimize portfolio outcomes
• Lead cross-functional alignment meetings to drive decision-making and resolve portfolio-wide challenges
• Oversee development of offtake RFP materials and ensure clarity around cost, schedule, and risk assumptions
• Review and approve FID-level deliverables, including estimates, schedules, and risk assessments
• Lead value engineering efforts to improve cost, constructability, and project readiness
• Oversee BTA engineering, EPC selection, and contract negotiations
• Provide expert input across design, site optimization, estimating, and scheduling activities
• Manage portfolio-level forecasting and support long-term planning efforts
• Identify recurring issues and lead initiatives to improve processes and overall project value
• Serve as a key liaison to Development and internal stakeholders as a subject-matter expert in preconstruction and renewable technologies

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 10-12 years of experience in preconstruction, construction, or project management within infrastructure or renewable energy
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with renewable technologies (solar, BESS, wind) preferred
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams
• Strong business acumen and problem-solving capabilities
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and ability to influence across diverse teams