LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is a high-growth renewable energy company forging a sustainable future through integrity, innovation, and positive impact. We own and operate 30 large wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the United States, totaling over 3 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.
LRE has an ambitious goal of 10GW of operating assets by 2028 and are developing and contracting an increasing pipeline of new projects every year. We take a full-lifecycle approach to our projects, built on a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the environment.
POSITION: Development Manager
Department: Development
Location: Chicago, IL
Status:
Exempt Non- Exempt
Company Overview:
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company that owns and operates a portfolio of 31 wind, solar and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 3 gigawatts of generating capacity. We are actively developing new wind, solar, and energy storage projects in energy markets across the U.S., with about 30 GW of projects under development spanning over 125 projects. With projects currently under construction and soon to commence construction, we expect to commercialize over 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects in the next two years.
Job Summary:
The Development Manager provides support for a growing organization in a fast-paced environment. The Development Manager will focus on identifying and securing new solar and energy storage project development sites, negotiating land agreements, managing interconnection requests, and evaluating project viability. This role will also identify and evaluate project acquisitions and strategic partnering opportunities.
Essential Functions:
• Lead market analysis and site selection for greenfield development
• Identify and facilitate project acquisitions
• Acquire land leases for greenfield opportunities and maintain relationships with landowners for existing projects
• Manage environmental assessment campaigns and associated external consultants
• Manage discretionary permitting activities at all levels of government
• Direct resource management campaigns and energy production estimates
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and consultants to appropriately manage the electrical interconnection process
• Collaborate with internal technical services such as energy analysis, engineering, and operations
• Determine the financial viability of projects together with the corporate finance department
• Represent the company at regional industry association meetings and caucuses
• Facilitate the preparation of RFP responses
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 3 to 7 years of previous experience in energy project development required - preferably in solar, wind, or natural gas electricity generation projects.
• Solid understanding of the development process of major power projects
• Ability to deal with local community dynamics, negotiate with utilities, as well as negotiate effectively with landowners and other stakeholders.
• Exposure to renewable energy issues and economics.
• Experience in US power markets, utilities, interconnection issues, and Power Purchase Agreements
• Technical understanding of power projects
• Excellent project management skills with a highly organized approach
Physical Demands:
• Position will require sitting for long periods of time.
• Occasionally lift 20-pound or more
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of time
Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: Our company does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only authorized recruiting vendors with valid agreements in place are permitted to submit candidate information. We will not pay any fees for unsolicited resumes.
Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.