Project Development Manager

NextGenEnergyJobs; Asbury Park, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Solar Landscape is seeking a seasoned Project Development lead to own the development of 30–40 commercial solar projects from contract execution through NTP. You will collaborate across interconnection, engineering, and finance teams to drive milestones and construction readiness.

You will manage project risks, deadlines, and stakeholder communications while coordinating with legal, policy, and finance to position projects for successful execution.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of renewable energy project development experience.
• Experience with commercial distributed-generation solar projects, preferably in New Jersey.
• Ability to manage a large portfolio of projects through multiple development stages.

Responsibilities

• Own the development of 30–40 commercial solar projects from contract execution through NTP.
• Develop and execute project strategies across interconnection, engineering, zoning, incentives, legal, finance and other workstreams.
• Maintain understanding of critical paths, risks, and deadlines; propose mitigation strategies.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, economics, environmental studies, or related field

Job description

Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Own the development of approximately 30–40 commercial solar projects from contract execution through NTP, driving projects toward development milestones and construction readiness.
• Develop and execute project strategies across interconnection, engineering, zoning, incentives, legal, finance, and other development workstreams.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of project critical paths, risks, contractual requirements, economics, and key deadlines, proactively developing solutions and mitigation strategies where projects are at risk.
• Lead complex project escalations, developing recommendations and engaging senior leadership when appropriate.
• Prepare project and portfolio updates, recommendations, and presentations for senior and executive leadership.
• Drive alignment across Engineering, Interconnection, Legal, Finance, Preconstruction, Policy, and other internal teams to resolve complex development issues and advance projects efficiently.
• Navigate technical, commercial, schedule, and financial tradeoffs to develop practical paths forward for projects.
• Partner with legal, business development, pre-construction, interconnection, engineering, project management, and finance teams to de-risk projects and position them for a successful transition into construction.
• Evaluate project health, priorities, risks, and timelines and make recommendations regarding portfolio strategy and prioritization.
• Identify recurring development bottlenecks and lead initiatives that improve processes, workflows, project throughput, and predictability.
• Serve as a resource and informal mentor to Project Development Analysts, providing strategic guidance and helping strengthen project development judgment, problem-solving, and communication across the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, economics, environmental studies, or a related field.
• 4+ years of renewable energy project development experience.
• Experience developing commercial distributed-generation solar projects in New Jersey strongly preferred, including familiarity with New Jersey utility interconnection, municipal approvals, and state solar incentive programs.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a large portfolio of projects through multiple stages of development while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong understanding of the technical, commercial, legal, and financial considerations that influence solar project development.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate incomplete information, identify risk, and develop a recommended path forward.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex issues and influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable operating with significant autonomy in a fast-paced environment.