Project Development Manager

Responsibilities

Project Development & Ownership

• Own the development of approximately 30-40 commercial solar projects from contract execution through NTP, driving projects toward development milestones and construction readiness.
• Develop and execute project strategies across interconnection, engineering, zoning, incentives, legal, finance, and other development workstreams.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of project critical paths, risks, contractual requirements, economics, and key deadlines, proactively developing solutions and mitigation strategies where projects are at risk.
• Lead complex project escalations, developing recommendations and engaging senior leadership when appropriate.
• Prepare project and portfolio updates, recommendations, and presentations for senior and executive leadership.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Drive alignment across Engineering, Interconnection, Legal, Finance, Preconstruction, Policy, and other internal teams to resolve complex development issues and advance projects efficiently.
• Navigate technical, commercial, schedule, and financial tradeoffs to develop practical paths forward for projects.
• Partner with legal, business development, pre-construction, interconnection, engineering, project management, and finance teams to de-risk projects and position them for a successful transition into construction.

Portfolio Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate project health, priorities, risks, and timelines and make recommendations regarding portfolio strategy and prioritization.
• Identify recurring development bottlenecks and lead initiatives that improve processes, workflows, project throughput, and predictability.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Serve as a resource and informal mentor to Project Development Analysts, providing strategic guidance and helping strengthen project development judgment, problem-solving, and communication across the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, economics, environmental studies, or a related field.
• 4+ years of renewable energy project development experience.
• Experience developing commercial distributed-generation solar projects in New Jersey strongly preferred, including familiarity with New Jersey utility interconnection, municipal approvals, and state solar incentive programs.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a large portfolio of projects through multiple stages of development while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong understanding of the technical, commercial, legal, and financial considerations that influence solar project development.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate incomplete information, identify risk, and develop a recommended path forward.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex issues and influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable operating with significant autonomy in a fast-paced environment.