Chief Development Officer

Samsung C&T America, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Samsung C&T Renewables America is seeking a proven development leader to own the full lifecycle of utility-scale solar, large-scale battery energy storage, and data-center-adjacent power projects from origination to Ready-to-Build.

Based in the United States, the Chief Development Officer will drive pipeline growth, advance projects to NTP/Financial Close, and build the commercial and organizational capabilities needed for long-term ownership and value creation.

Qualifications

• 12-20+ years in utility-scale renewable energy development in the U.S.
• Track record of leading multi-GW portfolios to readiness and financial close.
• Experience negotiating land deals, PPAs, and project-level commercial terms.

Responsibilities

• Own the multi-year development roadmap and multi-GW pipeline of solar, BESS, and data-center power projects.
• Lead origination, land control strategies, and interconnection planning.
• Drive projects through permitting, interconnection, and late-stage development to bankable milestones.
• Structure offtake and commercial solutions (PPAs, capacity contracts, hyperscaler deals).
• Build and lead a high-performing development team across the U.S.

Skills

Development leadership

Renewable energy

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial terms

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Samsung C&T Corporation was founded in 1938 and is the parent company of Samsung Group. It is a Global Business Partner and Lifestyle Innovator pioneering new trends in the construction, trading & investment, fashion and resort industries. Its Trading & Investment Group operates in over 40 countries managing energy projects and industrial commodities (chemicals, steel, materials). It acts as a specialized trader and developer, focusing on renewable energy (solar/wind/ESS), LNG and new business ventures such as data centers.

In the United States, Samsung C&T Renewables has a track record of developing over 38GW of renewable energy projects since 2016. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, it currently manages a 20GW+ PV/BESS pipeline across 24 states, backed by a solid team of 100+ employees across the US and Seoul, South Korea. In addition, it has full development cycle capabilities, including in-house site acquisition, real estate, permitting, interconnection, engineering, pre-construction and much more. In Canada, Samsung has successfully developed, constructed, and continues to manage operation services for a 1.3GW solar+wind energy cluster.

About the Role

Samsung C&T Renewables America is building one of the largest solar + battery energy storage pipelines in the United States (15-20+ GW across ERCOT, CAISO, MISO, PJM, SPP, and the Southeast). We are evolving from a pure development-focused organization into a fully integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP), building a platform designed for long-term ownership and value creation while expanding into data-center power projects. We are seeking a proven development leader to own this transformation.

As Chief Development Officer, you will oversee the full lifecycle of development strategy for utility-scale solar, large-scale battery energy storage (BESS), and data-center-adjacent power projects from greenfield origination through Ready-to-Build stage. You will drive pipeline growth, advance projects to NTP/Financial Close, and build the commercial and organizational capabilities needed to retain and operate high-quality assets long-term.

• Own the multi-year development roadmap and multi-GW pipeline of solar, hybrid solar+BESS, standalone BESS, and data-center power projects.
• Lead origination (greenfield + M&A + co-development) and land control strategies.
• Drive projects through interconnection, permitting, and late-stage development to bankable milestones.
• Structure offtake and commercial solutions (PPAs, capacity contracts, hyperscaler deals) that support both project sales and long-term IPP ownership.
• Build and lead a high-performing development team responsible for 20+ GW of solar and BESS projects across the U.S.
• Prioritize pipeline advancement, allocate resources, and ensure disciplined progression from origination to Ready-to-Build.
• Oversee interconnection strategy, queue positioning, studies, and stakeholder engagement with ISOs/TSPs.
• Direct permitting, environmental diligence, wildlife studies, cultural resources, and local approvals.
• Manage land acquisition, title, surveys, ALTA, mineral rights, and landowner negotiations.
• Track ISO market reforms, transmission planning, and policy developments affecting project economics.
• Build constructive relationships with landowners, county officials, community groups, hyperscalers, and local stakeholders.
• Partner with transmission and interconnection, finance, engineering, construction, legal, and origination teams to ensure project bankability and execution readiness.
• Identify and mitigate development risks including permitting, interconnection, land, regulatory, and community opposition.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a best-in-class development team with clear KPIs and accountability.
• Serve as a key member of the executive team, contributing to corporate strategy, capital planning, and long-term growth.
• Represent the company with ISOs/RTOs, utilities, hyperscalers, landowners, and capital partners.
• 12-20+ years in utility-scale renewable energy development with strong solar + BESS experience in the U.S.
• Track record of taking multi-hundred MW to multi-GW portfolios through late-stage development and to NTP/Financial Close
• Deep knowledge of U.S. RTO/ISO markets (especially ERCOT, CAISO, MISO, PJM, SPP) and interconnection processes
• Experience negotiating land deals, PPAs, and project-level commercial terms
• Proven ability to lead teams and operate in a matrixed, global organization
• Ideally experienced with the shift from pure development to IPP ownership models
• Bonus: Familiarity with data center power requirements and hyperscaler offtake
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Work with a global team delivering innovative, large-scale energy solutions.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for international collaboration.
• Work with a global organization committed to innovation and sustainability
• Opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic, mission‑driven environment
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and international collaboration opportunities

Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, skills, education, and location. Samsung C&T Corporation also offers a comprehensive benefits package, performance‑based incentives, and opportunities for professional development.

Samsung C&T Renewables America does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any unsolicited candidates presented to the company will be considered the sole property of Samsung C&T and may be used without any obligation to pay fees or compensation to the submitting party.