Project Development Strategy Manager

Solar Landscape • Asbury Park, NJ

4d • $90,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Solar Landscape is seeking a Project Development Manager to join their Project Development team. This role will lead the development of a portfolio of commercial rooftop solar projects in New Jersey, from contract execution through notice-to-proceed (NTP). It is a highly autonomous, cross-functional position for an experienced solar developer responsible for managing approximately 30-40 projects concurrently. The Manager will collaborate with various teams including interconnection, engineering, permitting, legal, finance, and preconstruction to develop and execute project strategy. The ideal candidate is comfortable with ambiguity, can independently resolve issues, and approaches challenges with recommended solutions. This role involves working closely with senior leadership on key project and portfolio decisions and serving as an informal mentor to junior team members. This is a hybrid position based in either the Asbury Park, New Jersey or NYC office.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Training / Professional development opportunities
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Summer Fridays
• Flexible remote/hybrid work options
• Paid parental leave
• Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
• Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level