Project Developer

Position Overview:

The Solar Development Manager will lead all aspects of solar project development on distributed and utility-scale solar and energy storage projects. This is a fast-paced and multi-faceted role facing multiple internal and external stakeholders and provides exposure to commercial matters. This individual needs to have the ability to engage with a variety of staff at all levels in an ever-changing environment while remaining flexible and resourceful with a high level of professionalism.

The primary responsibility of this position will be to coordinate and manage the development of solar projects, including management and coordination of all project due diligence, permitting, studies, interconnection, engineering, and finance activities, as well as managing all key project relationships-from landowners, consultants, suppliers, and internal teams through to utilities, financing organizations, governmental and regulatory bodies.

Job Responsibilities:

• Maintain clear and concise communication with and report to the management team on all development activities, risks, and constraints throughout the development phase.
• Provide effective, forward-looking, and hands-on project management skills within the organization as it relates to solar development to ensure that projects are financed and enter execution on schedule.
• Manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Coordinate with in-house and third-party Interconnection, Electrical and Design engineers to ensure the most efficient, optimized, and compliant design is maintained throughout both the interconnection application and permitting procedures.
• Transition projects from Development Phase to Execution Phase and manage any outstanding project development activities utilizing the support of other teams within the business during the Execution Phase.
• Manage all permit applications and all required studies and procedures to acquire all permits necessary to allow the project to be financed and to enter the Execution Phase.
• Interface with senior management on matters relating to development progress, risks, quality, scope, and schedule.
• Manage all external stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Lead the structuring, negotiating, and closing of land agreements and tax agreements.
• Manage budgets, milestones, schedules, and deliverables for development projects.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years managing the development of multiple solar and/or energy storage projects simultaneously.
• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance, engineering, environmental science, or related field preferred.
• Experience leading site development activities including utility interconnections, land and easement acquisition, environmental studies, and permit acquisition.
• Extensive knowledge of solar and energy storage technologies and related electrical equipment including suitable products and applicable technical qualities and specifications.
• Familiar and experienced with applicable utility and commercial standards, and applicable codes.
• Demonstrated success of developing solar projects through the full project development lifecycle.
• Understanding and experience with using credits and incentives available in the solar industry in support of a project being developed, financed, and constructed.
• Experienced working with financial parties internally and externally in support of financing activities.
• Understanding and experience negotiating power purchase agreements (PPAs) with customers in support of development and financing activities.
• Ability to lead the negotiation of all forms of contract associated with the development and financing of a solar project.
• Experience organizing and maintaining a project data room with key documents and constant changes, particularly when third-party financing is required.
• Financial planning, budgeting, organizational and resource management abilities.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks with ability to timely achieve goals and effectively manage a variety of project stakeholders.
• Exceptional ability in analytical problem solving and strong communication skills.
• Understanding of Microsoft products and/or complementing products preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional, multi-departmental teams.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to effectively address and either manage or participate in the resolution of conflicts with clients or other project stakeholders which may arise throughout the course of project development.
• Willingness and ability to travel 25-35% on average or more as required by projects.
• Experience with energy storage, including battery storage, is a plus.
• Experience with both in front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter dispatchable generation is a plus.