Director, Business Development Renewables

Acciona S.A; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

HSA contributions

Paid parental leave

PTO & holidays

Wellness stipend

Job summary

ACCIONA Energía seeks a Director of Business Development to lead the growth of its utility-scale renewable energy portfolio in the United States and Canada. You will identify wind, solar, and BESS opportunities through greenfield development, acquisitions, and partnerships, directing cross-functional teams and engaging with communities and stakeholders.

The role requires 10+ years in renewable energy, strong financial and commercial acumen, and travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Economics, Renewable Energy, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of experience in renewable energy development and related milestones.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and develop utility-scale wind, solar PV, and BESS opportunities in U.S. markets.
• Lead development teams through site origination, land acquisition, permitting, and interconnection.
• Evaluate investments, prepare memoranda, and support negotiations with partners and acquirers.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project development

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

ACCIONA Energía is the biggest 100% renewable energy company with no fossil legacy in the world. With more than 30 years of experience and operations in 20 countries on five continents, ACCIONA Energía offers a wide portfolio of tailored energy solutions so that its corporate and institutional clients can meet their decarbonisation goals. This includes the development, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of renewable power plants -mainly wind and photovoltaic technologies-, energy sales and management and marketing, energy services, self-consumption, electric mobility and new technologies such as storage and green hydrogen. ACCIONA Energía is governed by the most demanding environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria. ACCIONA Energía is seeking a Director of Business Development to lead the growth and development of our utility-scale renewable energy portfolio across the United States and Canada. This role is responsible for identifying and advancing wind, solar PV, and battery energy storage system (BESS) opportunities through greenfield development, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisitions. The Director will lead cross-functional teams, oversee project advancement and investment evaluations, and build relationships with key stakeholders and communities to support the organization's growth objectives.

Job Description Lead the identification, evaluation, and development of utility-scale wind, solar PV, and battery energy storage system (BESS) opportunities across targeted U.S. markets. Build and maintain a pipeline of renewable energy projects through greenfield development, acquisitions, joint ventures, co-development agreements, and strategic partnerships. Monitor renewable energy market trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory developments to identify growth opportunities and inform development strategies. Evaluate investment opportunities by assessing project economics, market fundamentals, development risks, and expected returns; prepare investment memoranda and business cases for executive leadership and investment committee review. Establish financial evaluation frameworks, development assumptions, and underwriting standards to support consistent investment analysis and decision-making. Assess acquisition targets, joint venture partners, co-development opportunities, and strategic technology investments, leading related commercial discussions and transaction support activities. Lead development and project management teams in advancing projects through key milestones, including site origination, land acquisition, permitting, and interconnection, while monitoring schedules, budgets, and development risks. Collaborate with Finance, Power Marketing, Engineering & Construction, and Interconnection teams to validate project assumptions and investment recommendations. Lead community engagement efforts and build relationships with landowners, local officials, permitting authorities, community leaders, and other key stakeholders. Represent ACCIONA Energía at industry forums, conferences, and business development engagements. Other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills and Competencies Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Economics, Renewable Energy, or a related field required. 10+ years of experience in renewable energy development, including advancing projects through key milestones such as site origination, land acquisition, permitting, and stakeholder engagement. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex renewable energy development portfolios. Demonstrated experience evaluating acquisitions, joint ventures, co-development agreements, and other renewable energy investment opportunities. Strong understanding of U.S. renewable energy markets, project economics, development processes, and key market drivers. Working knowledge of U.S. power markets, transmission and interconnection processes, and applicable federal and state renewable energy policies; experience in PJM and MISO markets preferred. Strong financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to evaluate investment risks and returns and translate strategic objectives into actionable development plans. Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across functions and organizational levels. Willingness to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally. Valid driver's license required; must hold or be eligible to obtain a passport.

Pay & Benefits: Base Pay: $170,000 - $245,000 25% Annual Performance Bonus (based on individual performance and company metrics) Day 1 Benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), HSA company contributions, and FSA options. Benefits after 90 days: 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting, life insurance, disability coverage, paid parental leave, and other optional plans. 15 days of PTO (with 1 additional day per year of service), 9 public holidays, and 2 flexible holidays. $50 monthly reimbursement for health, wellness, or fitness-related memberships and equipment.

Job Location: 55 E Monroe St, Suite 2900 Chicago, IL 60603 *This is a hybrid role reporting to our Chicago HQ 3 days/week, with 2 days/week remote.

Physical Requirements, Accommodations, & Accessibility Statement Seeing & Comprehension: Ability to read and comprehend documents, reports, computer screens, and other written or electronic information. (50-100%) Communication & Hearing: Ability to communicate effectively with customers, coworkers, and others. (50-100%) Standing & Walking: Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods, as applicable to the role. (25-49%) Climbing, Stooping & Kneeling: Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, or perform similar physical activities, as applicable to the role. (0-24%) Hand & Finger Dexterity: Ability to use hands and fingers to operate equipment, tools, keyboards, or other devices. (50-100%) Environmental Exposure: Ability to work in weather conditions (extreme heat or extreme cold), noise, outdoor work, and on uneven or varied terrain (0-24%) Color Recognition: Ability to distinguish different colors, where required by the position. (0-24%)

As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition.