Vesper Energy is looking for a Senior Development Manager who will be responsible for the development of solar and solar + energy storage projects from greenfield site identification and land acquisition through project management, local and/or state permitting, and community engagement across a pipeline of projects targeting PJM, MISO and ERCOT. Key skills required for this role include good networking/ interpersonal skills, zest for knowledge in the constantly growing renewable energy field, and ability to be a self-starter. The Senior Development Manager will be required to collaborate with internal teams and external consultants to lead their assigned projects to development completion, and confirm all projects are optimized for performance, cost, and reliability.
Role Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, renewable energy, engineering, environmental science, or related field
Years of Experience: 5+ years of development experience applicable to renewable energy, ideally solar PV, and/or energy storage projects in the United States.
Additional Skills, abilities & knowledge:
Industry & Technical Expertise
- Demonstrated knowledge of the full lifecycle of utility-scale renewable power generation development, including real estate, engineering, policy, environmental, community, and finance functions.
- Strong understanding of PJM, MISO and ERCOT markets.
- Experience across the entire project development life cycle: market analysis, origination/greenfielding, permitting, late-stage development, project financing, and equity transactions.
- Familiarity with development tools such as Transect, LandGate, Asana, or similar platforms (preferred but not required).
Project & Team Leadership
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams effectively, coordinating internal and external stakeholders to assess and mitigate risks across the project pipeline.
- Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to guide less experienced team members and deliver on schedule.
- Strong negotiation, consensus-building, and presentation skills, including the ability to articulate ideas to both internal and public audiences.
Analytical & Organizational Skills
- Excellent analytical abilities with strong organizational and pattern recognition skills.
- Highly resourceful and entrepreneurial, with the ability to identify opportunities, navigate key risks, and drive projects to milestones with minimal oversight.
- Detail-oriented, with a strong sense of personal responsibility and ownership of work products.
- Capable of prioritizing tasks and juggling competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Technology & Other Requirements
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong internet skills.
- Current, valid Driver’s License.
Key Responsibilities
Project Development Leadership
- Lead the development of utility-scale solar power generation facilities across PJM, MISO and ERCOT and future target markets.
- Identify and greenfield new project opportunities through market analysis, site selection, and due diligence.
- Oversee interconnection, permitting, real estate, and offtake/origination activities to strategically site and advance projects from conception through COD.
- Manage project permitting and ensure environmental compliance throughout the development lifecycle.
Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead and align cross-functional teams to minimize risks and ensure project objectives, schedules, and budgets are met.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams, landowners, community stakeholders, and external partners.
- Represent the company and its projects positively and professionally with external stakeholders, including community members, local and state institutions, to secure support and navigate entitlement processes.
Financial & Commercial Management
- Own the P&L for assigned projects and collaborate with the finance team to develop and evaluate financial models, key inputs, and assumptions.
- Negotiate tax abatements, land use agreements, mitigation settlements, and other commercial agreements critical to project success.
- Manage project budgets, schedules, deliverables, and financial performance to meet development targets.
Contractor & Vendor Oversight
- Manage contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure work is completed on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Maintain accountability for project timelines and deliverables through effective oversight and coordination.
Travel
- Travel regularly (up to 30%) to project sites for landowner meetings, site evaluations, stakeholder engagement, and to advance project development.
