LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is a high-growth renewable energy company forging a sustainable future through integrity, innovation, and positive impact. We own and operate 30 large wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the United States, totaling over 3 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.
LRE has an ambitious goal of 10GW of operating assets by 2028 and are developing and contracting an increasing pipeline of new projects every year. We take a full-lifecycle approach to our projects, built on a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the environment.
POSITION: Sr. Development Manager
Department: Development
Location: Phoenix, AZ or Houston, TX
Status: Exempt
Company Overview:
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a growth-oriented renewable energy company that owns and operates a portfolio of 25 renewable energy facilities across nine states, totaling more than 2,500 MW of installed capacity. We are actively developing new wind, solar, and energy storage projects in energy markets across the U.S., with about 20 GW of projects under development spanning over 100 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.
Job Summary:
The Development Manager provides support for a growing organization in a fast-paced environment. The Development Manager will focus on identifying, securing, and advancing solar, wind, and energy storage projects, negotiating land agreements, managing interconnection requests and permitting efforts, and evaluating project viability. This role will also identify and evaluate project acquisitions and strategic partnering opportunities.
Essential Functions:
Lead development strategies within region, providing direct training and day to day guidance and oversight to development team members.
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 5 to 7 years of proven track record in project management and demonstrated ability to achieve deliverables.
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
Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to negotiate with utilities, land owners and other stakeholders while managing community dynamics.
Ability to deal with local community dynamics, and negotiate effectively with landowners and other stakeholders.
Knowledge of P&L management and the high level commercial elements of a successful project.
Experience in US power markets, utilities, interconnection issues, and Power Purchase Agreements.
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 50% of time (30% if in office)
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.