VP, Development

UGE International•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

UGE is a full lifecycle renewable energy development company specializing in distributed generation and utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage systems. The Development leader oversees the Development Department and guides Project Developers, an Interconnection Specialist, and Project Development Managers in advancing solar and energy storage projects to Notice to Proceed (NTP). The role supervises the company’s project development function, including team resourcing and hiring, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning, and reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer on departmental progress, performance, and milestones. The position leads development strategy and execution, advances the development pipeline and acquired projects toward NTP, and coordinates with internal teams and external parties on development and financing diligence. It is an onsite hybrid role based in either UGE’s New York City or Denver office, with four office days and one work-from-home day each week. Candidates outside commuting distance must be willing to relocate; relocation assistance is not provided.

Requirements

At least 10 years of relevant experience in a similar role with directly transferable skills.
Proven experience leading high-performing development teams with multiple direct reports and a meaningful volume of NTPs or closed financings.
Deep experience with project development, including site control, utility/interconnection, curative title, permitting, financing diligence, and collaboration with engineering, deployment, and finance.
Experience with buy-side M&A project acquisitions and leading projects through financing diligence and closings.
Understanding of costs and timelines for distributed-generation-scale solar and storage projects.
Excellent analytical skills, including familiarity with financial models, IRRs, budgets, and basic accounting.
Project management, organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills in a complex and dynamic environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for varied audiences, including management, team members, engineers, stakeholders, contractors, and customers.
Ability to work across functions, adapt to changing business needs, manage change, and pivot strategies as needed.
Commitment to working with integrity.
Bachelor’s degree.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Engineering degree or degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide project development expertise and guidance, leading the team in resolving development issues efficiently and cost-effectively.
Set the team’s roadmap in alignment with company strategy, and lead budget and workforce planning.
Identify project development opportunities and risks in UGE’s markets and implement strategies to address them.
Manage development budgets and schedules.
Drive the development pipeline and newly acquired M&A projects to NTP, ensuring construction debt and tax equity closing requirements are met.
Manage a semi-remote team of Project Development Managers, an Interconnection Specialist, and Project Developers.
Collaborate with the Director of M&A on diligence and integration of acquired projects into UGE’s development pipeline.
Monitor and report development status, including NTP forecasts, resource needs and constraints, budgets, risks, and opportunities.
Drive external parties to complete development and financing diligence scopes efficiently.
Work with the team to troubleshoot and resolve challenges on individual projects.
Implement processes for coordination with engineering, deployment, project finance, and M&A so projects progress smoothly through the development lifecycle.
Report departmental progress, performance, and key milestones to the Chief Operating Officer.
Train, inspire, coach, and motivate the development team, and model UGE’s culture, values, and principles.