Project Development Manager

East Point Energy•Charlottesville, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

East Point Energy develops, builds, owns, and operates grid-scale energy storage projects. As an Equinor company and independent power producer, our team is currently developing gigawatts of energy storage projects throughout the country to build a clean, resilient, and affordable electric grid for the future. East Point hires great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If this position interests you, but you don’t meet every qualification listed below, we still encourage you to apply — your unique experiences and perspectives may be just what we’re looking for. Read more about our core values (driven, dependable, & collaborative) here. We are seeking a Project Development Manager to lead the development of utility-scale energy storage projects across key RTO/ISO markets. This high impact role will be responsible for leading activities related to the development of individual projects as well as coordinating development activities across one or more portfolios at the RTO/ISO level. The position is designed to be a player-coach role, with opportunities to both lead a cross-functional team during development as well as serve as an individual contributor by directing development activities for select individual projects. This role will report directly to the VP of Project Development.

Requirements

Proficiency with Microsoft software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, etc.)
Excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication; able to communicate to audiences with varying degrees of technical understanding
Public speaking experience required inclusive of experience presenting projects at public hearings
Excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication; able to communicate to audiences with varying degrees of technical understanding
Development risk identification and assessment
Proficiency with project management software
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
Ability to travel independently
Ability to walk unassisted over undeveloped land and uneven terrain
Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods of time
Proven experience leading projects supported by cross-functional team collaboration
5+ years of energy storage or power development experience
4-year university degree, BS or BA or equivalent

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to those with experience using Salesforce, Anderson Optimization, and GIS

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional team of Project Developers and Development Engineers across one or more RTO/ISO(s); integrate additional internal/external subject matter experts to drive disciplined, efficient, and holistic project development
Oversee the full development lifecycle for projects within assigned RTO/ISO(s), ensuring alignment with company objectives and portfolio priorities
Conduct portfolio management activities including oversight of project schedules, development budgets, key project risks, and progress toward critical milestones across assigned RTO/ISOs
Drive success at the project and campaign levels by coordinating with various internal departments and subject matter experts, including but not limited to: Project Development leadership to support pipeline growth and maturation, including problem solving for complex development challenges; Business Development team to support project valuation, financial modeling, and commercial decision-making; Policy team to help monitor and shape regulatory, legislative, and market policy initiatives that impact project value and risk; Community Engagement team to prioritize and resource stakeholder engagement efforts, permitting strategy, and other local community risk mitigation activities; Finance and Control team regarding budget projections, tracking spending and variance, and various financial processes
East Point leadership to secure approval for necessary funding for development activities, provide strategic pipeline updates, and ensure alignment on development priorities and risk profiles
Lead investment decision activities required to advance projects through internal stage gates during development process
Support investment decision activities that require parent company approval for projects within assigned RTO/ISO(s)
Manage relationships and coordinate externally with relevant vendors, subcontractors, trade groups, industry experts, utilities, etc. to ensure project and campaign consistency in approach and project level success
Support VP of Project Development in advancing continuous improvement initiatives for the project development team to maintain and iterate upon existing tools and processes
Serve as Project Development lead for select projects within assigned RTO/ISO(s), maintaining responsibility for all Project Development functions including but not limited to: Prospecting and researching target areas for project siting; Negotiating and securing site control; Managing relationships with landowners and local project stakeholders; Securing discretionary and ministerial permitting; Negotiating and securing tax abatements; Identifying and resolving title issues; Coordinating with Business Development in securing project-level revenue; Monitoring and participating in regulatory and legislative policy initiatives
Working independently, leading the internal project team, and working with outside parties, such as landowners, permit officers, consultants, brokers, equipment vendors, contractors, etc.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned