Director of Commercial Operations

~ Namaste Solar is a 2013-2019 Outside Magazine "Best Places to Work" award winner and a BCorp's Best for the World: Best for Workers recipient 2012  2019 and Best for Environment 2016-2019. Since 2005, Namaste Solar has been a trusted designer and installer of PV solar systems for both residential and commercial customers nationwide. ~

We do business differently. We pride ourselves on transparency (even salaries are disclosed) and giving back (company-sponsored volunteer days and donations to local charities). We are committed to positive social change and prioritize "doing the right thing" for our stakeholders. Namaste Solar is a Certified B-Corp and a WorldBlu certified democratic workplace. 

Position Overview 

Namaste Solar is seeking a Director of Commercial Operations. This team installs commercial solar systems ranging from less than 100kW to utility scale ground mount solar PV projects (up to 10MW) from start to finish. The successful candidate will bring people support and management experience along with Solar Industry experience to ensure the successful, high-quality execution of commercial solar projects on budget. The candidate for this role will be a collaborative team player with exceptional communication skills and can work autonomously and self-directed.  

Office Location: 

• Currently a primarily work from home/remote role due to COVID-19, with eventual home office in Denver or Boulder   

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage and support Namaste Solar Commercial Project Managers, Procurement Specialist and Construction Managers 
• Manage and publish commercial project installation schedule 
• Coordinate and communicate needs and required delivery of designs (incl. IFP, IFC dates) to internal Commercial Design Team 
• Direct the hiring/firing, performance review and compensation recommendations for the Commercial Operations Team (final determinations for compensation to be made by Senior Director of Commercial and General Manager)   
• Communicate regularly with and provide updates to the Senior Director of Commercial regarding installation capacity, schedule, project progress, human resource needs, project financial performance 
• Pre-execution contract review with Senior Director of Commercial and Commercial Sales Team 
• Collaborating with Estimator and Procurement Specialist, identify and qualify potential subcontractor and vendor partners in the region, whose scopes include but are not limited to: full site management, full project construction, electrical, civil, structural, landscaping, etc.  
• Develop, refine, and maintain internal and external project management and contract management processes and procedures 

Skills and Qualifications 

• Undergraduate Degree in engineering, project management, construction management or relevant work equivalent 
• Minimum of three (3) years of direct relevant solar work experience 
• Proven track record of successfully managing commercial solar PV projects 
• Fluent in construction contract terms and experience with contract risk mitigation and contract negotiations 
• Extensive knowledge of solar project interconnection, permitting, contracting 
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and Microsoft Project 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills  
• Self-starter and self-reliant. Capable of operating effectively with minimum supervision 
• Willingness and ability to travel (0 to 10%) as needed  

Success factors:  

• Tenacious problem solver that can accurately assess, solve, implement, and communicate outcomes of complex challenges 
• A strong applicant will be smart, articulate, motivated, creative, and organized, with the ability to learn the details of our business quickly 
• Successful track record in a complex business environment 
• Commitment to integrity, transparency and long-term thinking 
• Drive to win 
• Sense of humor 
• Collaborative mindset 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Supportive management style 

You don't need to have these, but you'll be even more prepared for the job if you have: 

• PMP Certification 
• NABCEP Certification 

Physical demands & Work Environment: 

• Physical demands:  While performing the duties of this job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Driving required to site locations 
• Work environment: The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate. Work environment changes can be expected and may take place in the office and work outdoors on the ground and on roofs.  On our project sites, occasional exposure to dangerous electrical gear and wiring is possible.  The daily temperature outside varies from hot to cold depending on the season. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Compensation range is $85,000 - $115,000, depending on experience 
• We offer CIGNA health insurance and dental insurance within the first 30 days 
• Life insurance, short- and long-term disability 
• 401k plan 
• Voluntary life insurance 
• Paid volunteer time 
• Flexible paid time off 
• Employee assistance program 
• EcoPass to ride RTD 
• Discount to put solar on your home 
• Discount on e-bikes 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.