Director of Project Development - Japan

Cygnify Pte. Ltd; Singapore; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company is seeking an experienced Director of Utility Power Projects to manage and develop utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects in Japan. The successful candidate will drive the development strategy, oversee project execution, and engage with stakeholders, ensuring thorough site due diligence and securing essential contracts.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in utility-scale renewable energy project development.
• Successfully led solar and wind projects >30MW.
• Experienced in managing development teams and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development strategy for the company's UPP portfolio.
• Oversee end-to-end development of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects.
• Secure critical development contracts including land agreements and permits.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Due diligence

Knowledge of Japanese land law

Proficiency in GIS tools

Excel and Word proficiency

Tools

AutoCAD

Project tracking systems

Job description

Role: Director of Utility Power Projects

Location: Tokyo, Japan

We are partnering with a leading renewable energy company that is seeking an experienced Director of Utility Power Projects to lead the full-cycle development of utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects in Japan. This role involves overseeing project execution, managing relationships with government and utility stakeholders, and ensuring construction readiness. Responsibilities include site origination, permitting, interconnection, and advancing projects to Notice to Proceed (NTP), while collaborating with cross-functional teams. This position reports directly to the Country Head.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development strategy for the company's Utility-Scale Power Projects (UPP) portfolio.
• Oversee end-to-end development of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects
• Direct origination and acquisition of project land (greenfield and M&A)
• Ensure thorough site due diligence, including land rights, registration, and encumbrance checks
• Manage stakeholder engagement with landowners, local authorities, and grid operators
• Secure critical development contracts (land agreements, grid connections, permits)

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in utility-scale renewable energy project development
• Successfully led solar and wind projects >30MW through to construction
• In-depth knowledge of Japanese land law, permitting, interconnection, and PPA structures
• Experienced in managing development teams and external stakeholders
• Highly proficient in Excel, Word, GIS tools, AutoCAD, and project tracking systems