Chief Development Officer

Samsung C&T America, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 250,000 - 550,000; 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 BESS, and data-center-adjacent power projects—from origination through Ready-to-Build. You will drive multi-GW pipelines, guide interconnection and permitting, and build the commercial capability for long-term ownership and asset value.

The role requires 12+ years in renewable energy development, deep US market knowledge, and experience negotiating land deals and

Qualifications

• 12+ years in utility-scale renewable energy development
• Track record of taking multi-hundred MW to multi-GW portfolios
• Deep knowledge of US RTO/ISO markets (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 shift from development to IPP ownership models
• Bonus: familiarity with data center power requirements and hyperscaler offtake
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own the multi-year development roadmap and multi-GW pipeline of solar, 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) to support project sales and IPP ownership.
• Build and lead a high-performing development team with clear KPIs and accountability.
• Represent the company with ISOs/RTOs, utilities, hyperscalers, landowners, and capital partners.

Skills

Development leadership

Solar + BESS

Interconnection

PPA negotiation

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree required

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.