Director & EPC Lead, Pre-FNTP - New York - DESRI Project Management Services, L.L.C.

Description

About DESRI

DESRI (formerly D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments) is a market-leading owner and operator of renewable energy projects throughout the United States. We have acquired or developed approximately 11 gigawatts of contracted capacity across a portfolio of over 70 renewable energy projects in 24 states.

About the role

We are seeking highly experienced EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) Leads to support DESRI's Pre-FNTP (Full Notice to Proceed) process, including all commercial negotiations and related responsibilities. These individuals will play a critical role in advancing utility-scale solar and battery energy storage (BESS) projects through commercial close. The EPC Leads will partner closely with internal stakeholders—including Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Legal, and Finance—to drive disciplined project planning, contracting, scheduling, and pricing activities during the pre-execution lifecycle.

These roles represent a strategic expansion of DESRI's execution capabilities. While the EPC Leads will assume primary responsibility for day-to-day pre-FNTP commercial activities, all team members will remain actively engaged and accountable for supporting the FNTP process with their expertise.

What you\'ll do

• In this position, you will have the opportunity to meaningfully influence the commercial structure, risk management approach, pricing strategy, and execution readiness of DESRI's renewable energy projects. Responsibilities include:
• Leading all pre-FNTP commercial activities for assigned solar and BESS projects, including contract negotiations, EPC scope definition, pricing and schedule development, and risk-mitigation planning.
• Serve as the primary point of coordination between EPC counterparties and DESRI's internal teams during the pre-execution phase.
• Drive alignment among Engineering, Project Delivery, Commercial, and Development teams on project design decisions, contracting strategies, and cost/schedule assumptions.
• Develop, review, and negotiate EPC contracts and related commercial agreements, ensuring clarity of scope, performance guarantees, change-order provisions, liquidated damages, warranties, and other commercial terms.
• Manage project schedules and milestones during the pre-construction lifecycle, evaluating contractor inputs and validating assumptions for accuracy and feasibility.
• Support project pricing efforts, including benchmarking EPC costs, analyzing contractor bids, validating estimates, and participating in internal investment and risk reviews.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, technical, and schedule risks that may impact project delivery.
• Prepare materials for internal leadership and investment committees, clearly articulating commercial positions, key risks, and recommended actions.
• Collaborate with Construction and Project Management teams to ensure smooth transition at FNTP and continuity into execution.
• Represent DESRI in external negotiations with EPC providers, equipment suppliers, consultants, and other commercial partners.
• Apply the same rigor and processes to BESS projects, ensuring integrated EPC commercial management across technologies.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is required; an advanced degree or PMP is preferred but not required.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience; 15 years strongly preferred, including commercial contracting, scheduling, and pricing responsibilities within an EPC organization or as a developer.
• Experience that includes progression through EPC project management roles, ideally reaching Director-level responsibilities; exposure to EPC construction execution is highly desirable.
• Deep familiarity with EPC contract structures, negotiations, risk allocation, pricing methodologies, schedule management, and renewable energy project delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading negotiations for utility-scale solar and/or BESS projects.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with an ability to drive alignment across multidisciplinary internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple complex commercial workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy market dynamics, EPC contractor landscape, and U.S. project development processes.
• The expected annual base salary for these positions is $175,000 – $225,000. Exceptional candidates with 10–15 years of highly relevant experience may warrant higher compensation. Our compensation and benefits package includes variable compensation in the form of an annual guaranteed bonus, guaranteed in the first year of hire, as well as standard benefits including medical and prescription drug coverage, 401(k) contribution matching, paid time off, wellness reimbursement, family-building benefits, and a charitable gift match program.