Director of Development | Utility Scale Solar & BESS | IPP
We are partnered with an IPP that spans 12 states and has over 130,000 acres under site control, with impressive growth plans. Their core market is utility-scale Solar PV and BESS, with 15GW of solar PV and 7GW of co-located energy storge across the US.
One of their projects project is already operational, with 950MW in construction and another three projects due to come online over the next 6 months.
As a brief summary of the opportunity, you would be leading multiple 100MW+ Solar and BESS projects across the US, utilising experienced SMEs in land acquisition, GIS and permitting to assist you.
Responsibilities:
Oversee the entire lifecycle of utility-scale solar projects, from site identification and land acquisition to permitting, interconnection, and stakeholder engagement.
Negotiate and collaborate with key stakeholders such as landowners, off-takers, suppliers, and strategic partners to optimize project economics and ensure successful execution.
Develop and implement regulatory strategies to navigate zoning, permitting, environmental assessments, and other local government requirements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government officials, regulatory agencies, landowners, and community groups to secure necessary approvals.
Conduct market analysis and due diligence to identify new development opportunities, assess project feasibility, and mitigate risks.
Lead and mentor a team of development professionals, ensuring alignment with company objectives and continuous improvement in development processes.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, environmental science, or a related field; advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, JD) are a plus.
Minimum of 7-12 years in solar project development or a related field, with a proven track record in utility-scale solar projects.
Extensive understanding of regulatory and permitting processes for utility-scale solar projects, especially at the local government level.
Strong commercial acumen with experience in negotiating complex agreements and managing project economics.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated leadership abilities in building and leading high-performing teams.
Deep understanding of the renewable energy industry, including market trends, policy landscape, and emerging technologies, with flexibility to travel as needed.