Development Manager - Utility-Scale Renewables (California)

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 greenfield origination through Notice to Proceed (NTP), with a focus on real estate, permitting, entitlements, stakeholder engagement, and interconnection.

Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the Development Manager will coordinate efforts across real estate, environmental, permitting, interconnection, engineering, legal, finance, and construction teams to ensure successful project execution. The role requires strong ownership, strategic thinking, and the ability to independently manage complex development activities in a fast-paced environment.

Frequent travel throughout California will be required to establish and maintain relationships with landowners, regulatory agencies, utilities, community stakeholders, consultants, and other project partners. 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

• Partner on greenfield site identification, including negotiating land agreements and securing necessary local, state, and federal permits.
• Oversee real estate surveys, title work, tax agreements, and other development-related due diligence.
• Work with interconnection teams (internal and external utilities) to drive projects to construction.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and technical and commercial activities throughout the development lifecycle.
• Prepare projects for construction-ready status by coordinating with engineering and construction teams on scope, budget, and design requirements.
• Lead land use entitlement processes including CUP applications and the CEQA process.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate project-level risks and development challenges.
• Present development progress, risks, and investment recommendations to the Investment Committee and other stakeholders as needed

Permitting Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute project-specific permitting strategies, including timelines, budgets, and risk assessments aligned with overall development milestones.
• Partner with internal and external counsel to evaluate defensible CUP and CEQA strategies and mitigate regulatory risk.
• Coordinate permitting activities with internal teams, consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure project objectives are met.
• Monitor permitting progress against milestones and proactively identify and resolve risks impacting project schedules

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with landowners, permitting agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders to support project advancement.
• Lead stakeholder engagement efforts to proactively address concerns, build project support, and reduce permitting and reputational risks.
• Represent the company at public meetings, hearings, and community forums.
• Develop and deliver clear, effective presentations tailored to external stakeholders and public audiences.

Cross-Functional Project Leadership

• Coordinate cross-functional inputs from engineering, finance, legal, and natural resources teams to ensure permitting requirements are integrated into project design, financial modeling, and execution plans.
• Ensure alignment between permitting strategy and broader development activities, including interconnection, real estate, and construction planning.
• Act as the central "quarterback" to drive alignment, accountability, and progress across internal teams.

Consultant & Budget Management

• Manage external consultants (environmental, permitting, and technical), including scope development, selection, contract management, and performance oversight.
• Oversee permitting-related budgets and ensure effective allocation of resources throughout the development lifecycle.

Project Reporting & Investment Support

• Prepare and present project updates, key risks, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and the Investment Committee.
• Support investment decisions by clearly articulating permitting risks, timelines, and dependencies.
• Maintain clear documentation and reporting on permitting progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working at a developer managing California renewable energy development projects.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading CA development projects.
• Strong understanding of California land use permitting , regulatory, and interconnection processes.
• Experience with California CUP, CEQA, and land use entitlements for energy projects specifically.
• Familiarity with CAISO interconnection processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience negotiating agreements and managing relationships with landowners, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical and public-facing materials.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to maintain a strategic, big-picture perspective. Ability to walk unassisted over undeveloped land, travel unassisted, and sit at a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to travel throughout California to meet with agency staff and attend community events across various jurisdictions.
• Safe driving record and a valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• California residence strongly preferred; established relationships with California regulatory agencies, consultants, or local jurisdictions are a plus.
• Experience managing solar or wind project from early stage through financial close and construction.
• Experience leading or managing a team (direct reports or consultant team).
• Financial analysis and budgeting skills, formal project management training, or policy analysis experience.
• Experience with interconnection, real estate, greenfielding projects are a plus.
• Experience with greenfield origination, site control, and option agreements for utility-scale projects.
• Familiarity with CAISO interconnection queue processes.

Characteristics Necessary for Success

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong ownership mindset with a focus on driving results and delivering projects forward.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk, timelines, and project economics.
• Collaborative and influential, with the ability to work effectively across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and accountability in decision-making.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and solve complex problems with a practical, solutions-oriented approach.

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, eligibility for our 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.