Development Manager (m/w/d)

Job Description

The Development Manager will be responsible for advancing utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects throughout the development lifecycle in California, from early-stage project origination through financial close and commissioning. This role will serve as the primary project lead, driving development strategy, real estate activities, interconnection coordination, stakeholder engagement, and project execution. The Development Manager will work cross-functionally to identify and resolve project risks, align internal and external stakeholders, and advance projects through key development milestones. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong ownership, sound business judgment, and the ability to independently manage complex development activities in a fast-paced environment. This role will be remote and based in California. Candidates in the Bay Area have opportunity to go into the office as needed.

Responsibilities

Project Development & Execution

• Lead the development of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects from origination through financial close and commissioning.
• Develop and execute project-specific development plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Drive project advancement by coordinating activities across development, engineering, finance, legal, environmental, interconnection, and construction teams.
• Identify, evaluate, and proactively manage project risks, opportunities, and critical path items.
• Prepare and present project recommendations, development updates, and investment materials to senior leadership and the Investment Committee.

Real Estate & Site Control

• Lead site origination efforts, including greenfield project identification and evaluation.
• Negotiate land agreements, easements, amendments, and other project-related real estate documents.
• Manage landowner relationships and support long-term stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Oversee real estate due diligence activities, including title review, surveys, and property-related risk assessments.

Interconnection & Utility Coordination

• Manage interconnection activities and coordinate with utilities, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Track interconnection milestones, risks, and costs throughout the development process.
• Evaluate interconnection opportunities and constraints to support project development strategy.
• Support negotiations and coordination related to utility requirements and project execution.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with landowners, local jurisdictions, community stakeholders, utilities, and industry partners.
• Represent the company at public meetings, stakeholder events, and project-related discussions.
• Support community outreach efforts to advance project objectives and maintain positive stakeholder relationships.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the central project lead responsible for driving alignment and accountability across internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate consultant teams and manage development-related scopes of work.
• Support permitting efforts in partnership with internal environmental and permitting subject matter experts as needed.
• Ensure development activities remain aligned with project schedules, budgets, and commercial objectives.

Financial & Investment Support

• Support project budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities.
• Evaluate project economics and development-related business decisions.
• Prepare materials supporting project approvals and investment decisions.
• Monitor development expenditures and consultant budgets.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working for a renewable energy developer managing utility-scale development projects.
• Demonstrated experience advancing renewable energy projects through key development milestones.
• Experience leading development activities related to real estate, interconnection, project execution, stakeholder engagement, or project strategy.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience negotiating agreements and managing relationships with landowners, utilities, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of utility-scale renewable energy development processes and project economics.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to travel throughout California as required.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects in California.
• Experience with interconnection strategy and utility coordination.
• Experience negotiating land agreements and managing real estate workstreams.
• Experience presenting projects to executive leadership, investment committees, or similar decision-making bodies.
• Established relationships within California's renewable energy market.
• Financial modeling, project finance, or budgeting experience.

Characteristics Necessary for Success

• Strong ownership mindset and ability to drive projects forward with limited oversight.
• Strategic thinker capable of balancing commercial objectives, stakeholder interests, and project risks.
• Collaborative leader who can influence across multiple functions and stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving development environment.
• Solutions-oriented approach with a focus on execution and results.

Salary/Compensation

The salary range is between $130k - $160k. In addition to base salary, this role includes a bonus. The position offers health, vision/dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, accrued paid time off, life insurance and disability coverage.

We encourage candidates to consider total compensation when applying and if you feel you meet the requirements and are excited to learn more, we'd love to share.

Note that the pay range listed for this position is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible base compensation at the time of posting. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.

Other

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. The Company does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Benefits of Working at Longroad Energy

We are dedicated to providing our employees with the support and resources they need to stay healthy, secure their future, and be successful in their careers. Benefits at Longroad include the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, incentive plan participation, 401(k) plan and matching, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Our robust time-off policy includes accrual of 18 vacation days in your first year, paid holidays, and paid volunteer time. We offer paid parental leave to help support employees as they transition into parenthood. Learn more about our employee benefits.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion matter - at Longroad, in our industry, in our communities, and in society at large. We embrace our responsibility to build and promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working experience and drive change where we live and operate. We work to actively promote and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster a supportive space that empowers everyone at Longroad to learn about, discuss and ask questions related to embracing and honoring identity. We collaborate with our community, colleagues, and industry in the ongoing pursuit of evolving and growing an inclusive and diverse environment. Learn more about our DEI commitment.

Longroad Energy Values

At Longroad, we SHINE. We aim to be the most trusted renewable energy company on the long road to a green future. We are an experienced team of problem solvers and promise-keepers who develop sustainable solutions that meet today's challenges and make a lasting impact on people and our planet. Learn more about our SHINE values.

Longroad Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer ("EOE"). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other legally protected status. Longroad Energy prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodations are made for disabled employees. Longroad Energy is firmly committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities in all employment practices and personnel actions, including advertising, recruitment, testing, screening, hiring, selection for training, upgrading, transfer, demotion, layoff, discipline, termination, rates of pay, and other forms of compensation.