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Sr. Development Manager

Leeward Energy
Full-time
Remote friendly

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company that owns and operates a portfolio of 31 wind, solar and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 3 gigawatts of generating capacity. We are actively developing new wind, solar, and energy storage projects in energy markets across the U.S., with about 30 GW of projects under development spanning over 125 projects. With projects currently under construction and soon to commence construction, we expect to commercialize over 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects in the next two years.

LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, a preeminent global infrastructure investor and investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans with C$127.4 billion in net assets (as at June 30, 2023).

As passionate renewable energy advocates, we take great pride in responsible development and the safe operation of our projects. We are focused on building sustainable solutions for clean, renewable energy, and we remain dedicated to empowering communities through energy independence, job creation, and lasting partnerships.

Job Summary:

The Development Manager provides support for a growing organization in a fast-paced environment. The Development Manager will focus on identifying and securing new solar and energy storage project development sites, negotiating land agreements, managing interconnection requests, and evaluating project viability. This role will also identify and evaluate project acquisitions and strategic partnering opportunities.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead market analysis and site selection for greenfield development

  • Identify and facilitate project acquisitions

  • Acquire land leases for greenfield opportunities and maintain relationships with landowners for existing projects

  • Manage environmental assessment campaigns and associated external consultants

  • Manage discretionary permitting activities at all levels of government

  • Direct resource management campaigns and energy production estimates

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and consultants to appropriately manage the electrical interconnection process

  • Collaborate with internal technical services such as energy analysis, engineering, and operations

  • Determine the financial viability of projects together with the corporate finance department

  • Represent the company at regional industry association meetings and caucuses

  • Facilitate the preparation of RFP responses

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree (engineering concentration desirable), MBA a strong plus.

  • Minimum 3 to 7 years of previous experience in energy project development required – preferably in solar, wind, or natural gas electricity generation projects.

  • Solid understanding of the development process of major power projects

  • Ability to deal with local community dynamics, negotiate with utilities, as well as negotiate effectively with landowners and other stakeholders.

  • Exposure to renewable energy issues and economics.

  • Experience in US power markets, utilities, interconnection issues, and Power Purchase Agreements - preferably in the southwest US.

  • Technical understanding of power projects

  • Excellent project management skills with a highly organized approach

Physical Demands:

  • Position will require sitting for long periods of time.

  • Occasionally lift 20-pound or more

  • Willingness and ability to travel at least 20% of time

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Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.