AVP, Project Development

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

4d•$194,200 - $246,134•Onsite

About The Position

The Area Vice President of Generation Project Development will oversee the strategic planning, development, and execution of utility-scale renewable (wind, solar, battery storage), dispatchable gas generation and other carbon free technology projects. This role is pivotal in advancing the company’s decarbonization goals while ensuring reliability, affordability, and regulatory compliance across multiple operating companies. The position will manage a multidisciplinary team and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver a large volume of high-impact energy infrastructure investments for a rapidly growing part of the business.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in technical or financial role or equivalent.
Ten+ years of experience in energy project development, business development or relevant experience with preference for at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Proven track record in utility-scale renewable and gas generation project execution or relevant experience.
Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, financial modeling, and stakeholder engagement.
Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
Capable of integrating technical, managerial and business judgment.
Ability to interact effectively with executive level management and the Board of Directors.

Nice To Haves

MBA strongly desired.

Responsibilities

Define and execute long-term strategies for renewable, gas generation and emerging technology development
Align project development with corporate decarbonization goals and integrated resource plans
Evaluate emerging technologies such as geothermal, long duration storage, nuclear and carbon-free fuels for integration into generation portfolios
Lead all phases of project development including site selection, permitting, interconnection, stakeholder engagement, and financial structuring
Lead a highly matrixed project development function to ensure coordination and alignment with internal stakeholders (e.g. Energy Supply, Major Projects Group, Corporate Development, Finance, Regulatory) and external partners (e.g. 3rd party project developments, equipment OEMs, EPC firms)
Support diligence of project acquisitions
Direct/coordinate supply chain selection, scheduling, cost estimating, and risk management for large-scale projects with internal and external stakeholders
Manage project bids for submission into ongoing Operating Company Resource Plan RFPs
Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of project managers, engineers, schedulers, and cost controllers
Oversee organizational design and talent development to support growth and execution capacity
Collaborate with internal regulatory and policy teams to prepare, file and secure approvals for projects
Navigate evolving energy market dynamics and ensure compliance with legislative initiatives
Engage with internal policy, regulatory and finance teams on ongoing legislation and regulation impact project development (e.g. permitting, tax policy)
Cultivate relationships with developers, OEMs, EPCs, and community stakeholders
Originate and advance competitive generation projects through strategic partnerships