About the job
I. Job Summary
We are seeking a proactive, commercially minded, and well-connected Solar PV Project Development Manager to lead early-stage project development and resource acquisition activities in the Philippines.
The primary responsibility of this role is to identify, evaluate, and secure high-potential sites for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, establish strategic relationships with landowners and local stakeholders, and develop a strong pipeline of viable and bankable project opportunities.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of the Philippine renewable energy market, proven expertise in land acquisition and commercial negotiations, an established network of local stakeholders, and a solid understanding of the regulatory, permitting, and technical considerations involved in renewable energy project development.
The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding the company’s solar project portfolio by sourcing strategic land opportunities, negotiating land agreements, coordinating preliminary feasibility assessments, and advancing projects through the early stages of development.
II. Key Responsibilities
A. Project Origination and Site Acquisition
- Identify, originate, and evaluate potential sites for utility-scale solar PV projects in strategic locations across the Philippines.
- Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective solar project opportunities through market research, local networks, referrals, and direct engagement with landowners and other stakeholders.
- Conduct preliminary site screening based on land availability, size, ownership, accessibility, terrain, proximity to transmission infrastructure, and potential development constraints.
- Lead land sourcing, landowner engagement, and commercial negotiations to secure suitable land for project development.
- Negotiate and facilitate land lease agreements, options to lease, memoranda of understanding, and other preliminary land agreements, subject to company approval and legal review.
- Assess land ownership, tenure, title conditions, competing claims, and potential legal or community issues in coordination with the legal and land acquisition teams.
B. Project Development and Feasibility
- Coordinate preliminary technical, commercial, environmental, and regulatory assessments of prospective solar PV sites.
- Work closely with engineering, grid connection, legal, permitting, finance, and other relevant teams to evaluate project feasibility and development risks.
- Assess proximity to substations and transmission lines, potential grid interconnection constraints, site accessibility, and other factors affecting project viability.
- Support preliminary project economics, development cost estimates, land valuation, and investment assessments.
- Identify project risks, development constraints, and opportunities to improve project value before committing significant resources.
- Prepare site assessment reports, project profiles, feasibility summaries, and recommendations for management review and investment decisions.
C. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with landowners, landowner representatives, local communities, local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Develop a reliable network of local contacts to facilitate land sourcing, community engagement, and project development activities.
- Lead initial discussions with landowners and community representatives to communicate project objectives, address concerns, and support constructive stakeholder relationships.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external advisers to address land-related concerns, competing claims, community issues, and other matters that may affect project development.
- Represent the company in preliminary meetings, site visits, stakeholder consultations, and business development activities.
D. Regulatory and Permitting Coordination
- Maintain a working knowledge of Philippine renewable energy policies, land acquisition requirements, and the permitting processes applicable to utility-scale solar PV projects.
- Coordinate with regulatory and permitting teams on applicable Department of Energy (DOE) requirements, LGU permits, environmental approvals, and other relevant authorizations.
- Support the identification of land-use restrictions, environmental sensitivities, protected areas, and other regulatory considerations that could affect project viability.
- Monitor relevant market developments, regulatory changes, and emerging opportunities in the Philippine renewable energy sector.
E. Pipeline Management and Reporting
- Develop and maintain an organized pipeline of prospective solar PV projects, including site details, land status, stakeholder information, commercial terms, and development milestones.
- Establish project origination targets and monitor progress against land sourcing, site screening, negotiations, and project acquisition objectives.
- Prepare regular management reports on project pipeline status, acquisition progress, risks, commercial opportunities, and recommended next steps.
- Maintain accurate documentation of landowner discussions, negotiations, site assessments, and preliminary agreements.
- Provide strategic recommendations to management on project prioritization, resource allocation, and market expansion opportunities.
III. Qualifications and Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Real Estate Management, Environmental Science, Land Management, or a related field.
- Additional qualifications in renewable energy, project development, real estate, or business development are an advantage.
Professional Experience
- At least 5–8 years of relevant experience in project development, land acquisition, business development, real estate, infrastructure, or renewable energy.
- Demonstrated experience in sourcing and securing land for utility-scale solar PV, wind energy, or other large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Proven track record in landowner negotiations, commercial deal structuring, site origination, and securing land access or development rights.
- Experience in the Philippine renewable energy sector is strongly preferred.
- Established relationships with landowners, landowner representatives, local communities, LGUs, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Experience coordinating with technical, legal, permitting, and commercial teams during early-stage project development.
Technical and Business Knowledge
- Strong understanding of land acquisition processes, land due diligence, land valuation, and preliminary site feasibility assessment.
- Familiarity with Philippine land ownership and tenure considerations, including land titles, tax declarations, leases, and applicable restrictions on land ownership or use.
- Working knowledge of solar PV project development, grid connection considerations, and renewable energy permitting requirements.
- Ability to evaluate site opportunities from commercial, technical, regulatory, and stakeholder perspectives.
- Strong negotiation, business development, and commercial assessment skills.
IV. Core Competencies
- Strategic site sourcing and project origination
- Land acquisition and commercial negotiation
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship building
- Philippine renewable energy market knowledge
- Business development and opportunity assessment
- Project pipeline and risk management
- Analytical thinking and decision-making
- Communication, presentation, and influencing skills
- Cross-functional coordination and execution
- Self-management and ability to work independently