Energy Business Unit Leader - Clayco

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers our clients’ most complex projects. With $5.8 billion in revenue for 2023, Clayco delivers design-build and EPC projects for a variety of technical projects.

Clayco is launching a new Energy Business Unit dedicated to power generation and renewable energy. The Energy Business Unit will focus on Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for single and combined cycle natural gas plants, utility grade solar plants, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The Role We Want You For

Do you aspire to lead a business unit for an EPC Contractor in the Energy sector such as solar, or natural gas? Do you possess an entrepreneurial mindset and are you ready to build a new Energy Business Unit from the ground up and deliver complete, turn-key utility scale power generation capability? You are a natural leader with experience managing large and complex design-build projects. Your passion for business growth, combined with a strong background in leading construction teams, makes you an ideal fit to help grow Clayco’s presence in the Energy sector.

As the Energy Business Unit Leader, you will play a crucial role in building our new Energy Business Unit from the ground up. Your primary responsibilities will include securing new business, nurturing strong client relationships, and ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, while upholding the highest safety standards. You will hold overall P&L responsibility for the Energy Business Unit and will be tasked with building and developing new teams, as well as identifying and recruiting top talent.

Your success in this role will be measured by your ability to scale the business safely, responsibly, and profitably through acquiring new customers, expanding services, and exploring new opportunities.

The Specifics of the Role

• Innovation: Create and continually evolve the Energy Unit business plan including sales and marketing, operations, etc. to achieve company goals and growth strategy.
• Client/Business Development: Proactively engage in networking, industry events, and targeted marketing to build new client relationships.
• Project Acquisition: Lead the RFQ/RFP response process, including developing pursuit strategies, leading pursuit efforts, overseeing communication and marketing, and presenting to clients. Ensure strategic alignment in deal negotiations, scope definition, and contract negotiation.
• Client Management: Serve as the primary executive contact for clients, ensuring satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle and fostering long-term relationships that lead to repeat business.
• Establish Leadership: Identify and recruit top talent for project teams and ensure proper scope education and smooth transitions from design to construction. Provide executive oversight during construction to ensure adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Team Development: Build Internal Teams and Capabilities in Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC), and Self Perform. Mentor and inspire teams of construction professionals, fostering leadership growth and creating a high-performing, knowledgeable workforce.
• Operational Oversight: Focus on operational excellence and build teams to deliver on critical activities, including major trade buyouts and early design-phase tasks. Ensure proactive management of construction costs, risk mitigation, and field execution.
• Strategic Input: Contribute to the broader strategic goals of the Energy Business Unit by identifying opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and project delivery improvements.
• Financial: Hold Overall P&L Responsibility for the Energy Business Unit.
• Marketing: Contribute to the overall marketing strategy of the Energy Business Unit.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related Engineering discipline, Construction Management, or other related technical degree; or significant field experience that has evolved into leadership roles over time.
• Experience: 20+ years of progressive experience in EPC delivery of natural gas, solar, BESS with a strong track record managing individual projects valued at $250M or more.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of construction costs and cost drivers, both at the project and unit level. Proficient in contract negotiation and administration.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams, with a focus on mentoring and developing talent. Strong ability to navigate complex challenges, resolve conflicts, and motivate teams to achieve exceptional results.
• Business Acumen: Entrepreneurial drive with a passion for business development, coupled with a keen understanding of customer decision-making processes.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver impactful presentations and build consensus across internal and external teams.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to break down complex problems into manageable components, identify core issues, and develop innovative solutions. Skilled in prioritizing critical details and managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to scope management and cost control, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of project execution.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to anticipate future trends, adapt to changing circumstances, and continuously seek ways to improve project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!

Why Clayco?

• Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, Phoenix Business Journal.
• ENR – Top Midwest Contractors (#1), Top Design Build Contractors (#4), Top 400 Contractors (#23), ENR – Top Green Builders (#5).

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Annual Salary: Based on qualifications, skills, training, experience, and location.
• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company performance and individual contribution.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!