Project Development Strategy Manager

Solar Landscape • New York, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. We are seeking a Project Development Manager to join our Project Development team and lead the development of a portfolio of commercial rooftop solar projects in New Jersey from contract execution through notice-to-proceed (NTP). This is a highly autonomous, cross-functional role for an experienced solar developer who can take ownership of complex projects, identify and evaluate development risks, and drive projects toward construction readiness. The Manager will be responsible for a portfolio of approximately 30–40 projects at a time and will work across interconnection, engineering, permitting, legal, finance, preconstruction, and other teams to develop and execute project strategy. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in ambiguity, can distinguish between issues that require escalation and those they can independently drive to resolution, and approaches challenges with a recommendation for resolution. This person will work closely with senior leadership on key project and portfolio decisions while serving as a trusted resource and informal mentor to more junior members of the Project Development team. This is a hybrid position based in our 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