VP of Field Operations - Solar

Company: Private Equity–Backed C&I Developer / EPC Job Titles: VP of Field Operations Location: Illinois – Travel-Based with Office Access in Chicago (Hybrid Field Role)The CompanyA growing clean energy platform is seeking a hands-on leader to professionalize and scale its field operations function across commercial solar and storage projects. With a self-perform model and national footprint, the company is focused on building safe, high-quality, and efficient systems for long-term ownership. The team is now investing in leadership that can set clear field standards, upgrade the safety culture, and ensure that execution matches the pace and expectations of a maturing development pipeline.The RoleThe VP of Field Operations will take direct ownership of field execution standards, crew management, and on-site performance across a portfolio of distributed energy projects. This role is central to improving safety, build quality, and site-level accountability - shifting the company from a reactive, fragmented construction model to one that operates with discipline, consistency, and pride in craftsmanship.You’ll lead and mentor a team of foremen and field supervisors, create and enforce site protocols, and serve as the senior-most authority on what "good" looks like in the field. This is not a desk job - you’ll spend significant time on job sites, in work trucks, and in the field working alongside crews and leaders. Your success will be measured by improved jobsite performance, reduced rework, enhanced safety metrics, and better coordination across the business.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the field operations function across a portfolio of active projects, with direct oversight of site supervisors, foremen, and field crewsEstablish and enforce standards for safety, quality, and day-to-day execution on all job sitesDevelop and implement consistent site protocols: site startup, safety audits, quality checks, closeout procedures, and crew deploymentServe as the lead field authority on constructability, installation sequencing, and jobsite problem solvingTrain, coach, and mentor foremen and supervisors to take ownership of their sites and crewsPartner with project management, engineering, and procurement to ensure field teams are set up for success before boots hit the groundConduct regular field audits and performance reviews to identify and address recurring issues in installation quality, planning, and site cultureDrive a transition from reactive jobsite management to a forward-planning, proactive cultureInfluence workforce planning, subcontractor evaluation (where applicable), and onboarding processes for new field hiresSupport workforce development programs and collaborate on field training in partnership with internal trade resourcesQualifications10+ years of experience in construction or energy field operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role such as Superintendent, General Foreman, or similarProven experience managing self-perform crews on commercial or industrial job sites (solar, storage, or other electrical trades highly relevant)Demonstrated ability to set and enforce high standards for safety, execution, and craftsmanshipDeep understanding of site logistics, construction workflows, and project-critical path planningFamiliarity with electrical scopes, mechanical installation, and coordination between tradesOSHA 30 required; additional safety certifications a plusComfortable in a hybrid role: office-based meetings, field presence, and jobsite travel as neededStrong communication skills and leadership presence - able to coach up and across an organizationBachelor’s degree preferred, especially in a technical or construction-related field, but not requiredWhy Join?This is a rare opportunity to reshape how clean energy is built in the field. You’ll have direct influence over people, process, and performance—and be empowered to set a new standard across safety, quality, and execution. If you’re a builder at heart with a track record of leading crews and raising the bar, this role offers the platform, support, and mission to make a lasting impact.