Project Management Advisor in Pennsylvania at Opterra Energy Services, LLC

Project Management Advisor – Energy & Infrastructure (K-12 Focus)

The Project Management Advisor serves as the end-to-end leader for energy conservation and building renovation projects, with a strong emphasis on HVAC modernization, central plant upgrades, controls systems, and energy infrastructure improvements within K-12 public school districts and other public-sector facilities.

This role is accountable for safely delivering projects on time, on budget, and in alignment with guaranteed energy savings and performance outcomes. Projects will typically include energy efficiency retrofits, HVAC system replacements, building automation systems (BAS), lighting upgrades, renewable energy integration, and general facility renovations.

You will manage projects from development through construction and close-out, working closely with engineering, construction, sales, and customer stakeholders to deliver high-impact infrastructure improvements that enhance learning environments, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This role reports to the Project Management Director for the Eastern Region.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead full lifecycle delivery of ESCO-style energy and facility improvement projects, including development, design, construction, and post-installation phases
• Skillful in financial analysis skills to predict customer project economics and manage project budgets
• Ability to prepare and write accurate customer reports and RFX responses, with attention to customer goals and needs
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, budget, and performance guarantees
• Partner with Construction Managers and subcontractors to execute HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and building envelope upgrades in occupied building environments
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, milestones, and critical paths

Technical Oversight

• Define and validate energy conservation measures (ECMs) including HVAC replacements, BAS upgrades, lighting retrofits, and renewable installations
• Review and refine energy savings calculations and financial models to support project viability
• Ensure feasibility of proposed solutions in aging public facilities with operational constraints
• Oversee commissioning readiness and measurement & verification setup to ensure performance outcomes

Client Engagement

• Serve as primary point of contact for customer leadership, facility directors, and public agency stakeholders
• Support customer presentations, board meetings, and procurement interviews
• Navigate public-sector requirements including procurement rules, labor compliance, and stakeholder communications
• Build long-term relationships that result in repeat work and strong customer references

Commercial & Contract Management

• Lead development and negotiation of ESCO agreements, construction contracts, and change orders in collaboration with Legal
• Manage project financials including budgets, forecasts, cost controls, and invoicing coordination
• Ensure alignment between prime contract scope and subcontractor scopes of work

Construction & Field Coordination

• Coordinate closely with construction teams to deliver energy retrofits and building renovations in active K-12 and general public sector environments
• Conduct site visits and ensure adherence to safety, quality, and schedule standards
• Oversee project documentation, reporting, and close-out packages

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• 10+ years of experience delivering energy, HVAC, or building infrastructure projects, preferably within a design-build, ESCO or performance contracting environment
• Demonstrated experience managing K-12 school modernization, public-sector projects, or similar institutional facilities
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • HVAC systems (central plants, air distribution, controls)
  • Lighting systems
  • Electric generation and distribution systems
  • Energy efficiency measures and savings methodologies
  • General building construction and renovation practices

Technical & Business Skills

• Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and financial performance
• Experience reviewing energy models and engineering designs
• Strong negotiation skills with clients, subcontractors, and vendors
• Familiarity with public procurement processes and contract structures
• Proficiency in:
  • Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Construction management platforms (Procore preferred)

Additional Requirements