Director, EPC Business Operations

AES Clean Energy is seeking a Director of EPC Business Operations to provide strategic leadership across estimating, scheduling, and labor compliance functions for our US Renewables portfolio. This highly visible role is critical to ensuring AES maintains its industry-leading position by driving operational excellence from early-stage development through construction, completion, and transition to operations.

The Director will oversee integrated project planning, estimating accuracy, scheduling optimization, risk evaluation, labor compliance, and preconstruction support for utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage. Reporting to the Vice President of EPC Business Operations, this experienced and dynamic leader will collaborate across Development, Project Finance, Engineering, Procurement, Construction Project Management, O&M, and Digital to support delivery of projects efficiently, on time, and in full regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define the vision and strategy for EPC Business Operations, aligning with AES Clean Energy's growth and execution objectives.

• Attract, retain, and develop world-class talent across scheduling, estimating, and labor compliance.

• Establish staffing needs, clear roles, and processes that enable seamless coordination with other stakeholder groups.

• Cultivate a high-performing, agile, and collaborative "one team" culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Estimating Management

• Lead all estimating efforts, including conceptual and detailed estimates, constructability reviews, value engineering, bidding, and risk evaluation/mitigation.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive project database with WBS structures, cost benchmarks, scope libraries, schedules, execution plans, and lessons learned.

• Analyze and evaluate proposals from contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers; calibrate estimating tools based on market feedback.

• Partner with project teams to define contracting strategies, schedules, logistics, and bidder lists.

• Track scope changes from early design through construction release to ensure accurate estimate forecasting.

• Implement advanced estimating systems, including AI/ML-enabled tools, to continuously improve accuracy, speed, and strategic insight.

Scheduling Management

• Direct and mentor the Scheduling team in developing and maintaining project schedules that provide value required by various functions within the organization.

• Oversee timeline risk identification and mitigation, with proactive intervention and scenario planning.

• Partner with project managers and subject matter experts to resolve scheduling constraints and ensure alignment with execution goals.

• Collaborate with cost controllers to integrate cost metrics and forecasting into project schedules at various stages of a project.

Labor Compliance Oversight

• Provide leadership to the Labor Compliance function to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal labor regulations.

• Partner with Legal, Tax, EPC Strategy, and Project Management teams to proactively resolve compliance issues.

Data, Systems & Innovation

• Champion automated and scalable business operations systems supporting real-time data analysis and executive reporting.

• Collaborate with AES's global Digital team to leverage AI/ML strategies and emerging technologies that enhance estimating, scheduling, and compliance.

• Share best practices and continuous improvement strategies across AES global businesses.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a key liaison between EPC Business Operations, development, engineering, procurement, construction, and operations teams.

• Drive consistency, transparency, and efficiency across all project phases.

• Partner with executive stakeholders to ensure priorities align with corporate strategy and deliver measurable value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; advanced degree (MBA, Project Management) preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in estimating, scheduling, preconstruction, or EPC project operations within the renewable energy or large capital projects sector.

• Deep expertise in renewable power (solar, wind, battery storage; hydrogen a plus).

• Strong understanding of construction methods, scheduling best practices, project risk analysis, and EPC contracting.

• Proven ability to lead teams through complex technical projects while delivering accurate forecasts and high-quality execution plans.

• Proficient in Primavera P6, estimating software, take-off software, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience leveraging integrated project management systems, BIM, LEAN principles, and emerging AI/ML applications.

• Outstanding organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to present effectively at the executive level.

• Skilled at negotiating and developing strategic, win-win relationships with consultants, vendors, and subcontractors.

• Commitment to AES values: Safety first, Highest standards, All together.

• Willingness to travel up to 10%.