Position Title: Senior Solar Development Manager
Location: Arlington, TX (Hybrid)
Reports To: Director of Development - Solar
Position Overview:
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Solar Development Manager to lead the development of distributed solar projects. This is a fast-paced role requiring effective coordination across multiple internal and external stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on managing commercial, technical, and regulatory aspects of solar project development. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to manage solar projects through all stages of development, from initial concept through to project financing and execution, while navigating a complex and ever-changing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with senior management, providing regular updates on development activities, risks, and constraints.
- Manage multiple solar projects simultaneously, ensuring they are developed on schedule and within budget.
- Coordinate with internal and external engineers to optimize solar project designs while ensuring compliance with interconnection and permitting requirements.
- Transition projects from the Development Phase to the Execution Phase, ensuring all development activities are completed before moving to construction.
- Lead the permitting process, including managing all applications and required studies to secure necessary permits for project financing and execution.
- Collaborate with senior management on development progress, addressing issues related to quality, scope, and schedule.
- Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including landowners, consultants, suppliers, utilities, regulatory bodies, and financing partners.
- Lead the negotiation and closing of land agreements, tax agreements, and other contracts essential for project development.
- Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and milestones, ensuring that key deliverables are met on time.
- Participate in financial planning and assist in securing project financing, including working with financial institutions and investors.
- Support the negotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and other financial contracts in support of project development.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- At least 5 years of experience managing solar energy projects from development to execution, with a proven track record in successfully leading multiple projects.
- Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance, engineering, environmental science, or a related field is preferred.
- In-depth experience with solar technologies, interconnections, land and easement acquisition, environmental studies, and permitting processes.
- Strong understanding of applicable utility and commercial standards, technical specifications, and regulatory codes.
- Experience with the full project development lifecycle, including negotiating and closing contracts, securing financing, and managing project execution.
- Familiarity with solar industry incentives, credits, and financial structures that support solar project development.
- Proven ability to work effectively with financial teams and external parties to secure financing for solar projects.
- Experience leading negotiations for power purchase agreements (PPAs) and other critical project contracts.
- Ability to manage and organize complex project documentation, especially when third-party financing is involved.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple stakeholders, and meet deadlines.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft products and related tools for project management.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative in managing projects.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams across various departments.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively resolve conflicts or challenges with stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel 25-35% of the time, depending on project needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with energy storage, including battery storage, is a plus.
- Knowledge of both front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter dispatchable generation systems is desirable.
