Director of Operations - Solar Renewables

Phillips & Jordan, Inc. (P&J), a Phillips Infrastructure Holdings, Inc. company, is a certified woman-owned, heavy civil and power infrastructure contractor established in 1952. P&J is a proven innovator, a proven leader, and a proven solution in the industry. We have built a reputation for taking on some of the most challenging, difficult projects and successfully completing them on, or even ahead of schedule. P&J employs a top-notch workforce, and we are always in need of new employees who are dependable professionals with experience in the construction industry. We are seeking safety conscious individuals who have a positive, can-do attitude, work well with others, and want to advance their careers.

Join the P&J team today and become a valued member of our company.

Summary

The Director of Operations – Solar Renewables is responsible for the successful execution of utility-scale solar construction projects across the Southeast and select U.S. regions. This leadership role oversees all operational phases from pre-construction through completion, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and with the highest quality standards. This role requires a deep, hands-on understanding of solar construction operations, including equipment, labor, racking systems, and field execution strategies. The Director will be a field-driven leader with previous field experience and a proven ability to manage both internal crews and subcontractor performance.

This position is field-based with significant travel required, primarily supporting active solar projects across TN, AR, LA, MS, and NY.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations for all active solar renewable construction sites, ensuring consistency in field execution and alignment with company goals.
• Lead project mobilization efforts including equipment allocation, labor staffing, staging, and sequencing.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure proper execution of racking systems, tracker installations, and electrical scopes.
• Resolve critical field issues related to schedule, labor, supply chain, and site logistics in real-time.

Field Execution & Technical Expertise

• Apply in-depth knowledge of solar construction means and methods to direct and support field crews.
• Evaluate equipment, racking systems (fixed tilt and tracking), and layout efficiency to optimize installation performance.
• Provide input on constructability, procurement strategies, and sequencing during preconstruction phases.
• Validate subcontractor performance and ensure alignment with internal construction standards and expectations.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of field managers, project leaders, and operations support staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, quality, safety, and continuous improvement across all job sites.
• Provide field mentorship to newer team members with an emphasis on growing internal craft capability.

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as the operations point of contact for clients during execution phases.
• Report on project progress, key field risks, safety metrics, and equipment/labor needs to senior leadership.
• Partner with business development teams to evaluate new work and support regional planning.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all projects meet or exceed OSHA standards and internal safety requirements.
• Conduct site visits to reinforce safety culture, audit compliance, and address deficiencies promptly.
• Support safety training initiatives and monitor enforcement by field leadership

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of solar construction operations, particularly racking/tracking systems, heavy equipment usage, and labor coordination.
• Ability to lead large teams in high-pressure environments with field-based decision-making.
• Skilled in schedule optimization, field logistics, subcontractor oversight, and constructability.
• Familiarity with ground mount, tracker-based, and fixed-tilt solar systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 10 years of progressive solar or renewable energy construction experience, including at least 3 years in an executive or senior operations leadership role.
• Prior field experience in solar or utility-scale construction is required.
• OSHA 30 certification required.
• Experience working across multiple states with remote project teams strongly preferred.

Candidates who accept an offer of employment are required to undergo and successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination. This exam ensures that all potential employees meet the necessary health and fitness standards for the role. The examination includes a series of tests and evaluations conducted by a certified medical professional to assess overall physical health, identify any potential medical conditions that could interfere with job performance, and verify that the candidate is capable of safely performing the essential duties of the position. Completion and clearance of this physical are mandatory steps in the hiring process.