Project Development Manager

Cordia; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Cordia is seeking a Project Development Manager in Los Angeles, CA. This role involves managing complex energy infrastructure projects, originating contracts, and collaborating with various internal teams to meet customer needs.

Candidates should possess strong project development experience within the energy sector and have proven negotiation skills. The position offers a hybrid work schedule, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project or business development experience in energy infrastructure.
• Successful track record leading multi-million-dollar transactions.
• Familiarity with consultative selling practices in relevant markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop solutions and secure long-term agreements with customers.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations for complex contracts ensuring client satisfaction.

Skills

Team leadership

Collaborative skills

Consultative selling

Financial modeling

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or economics

MBA

Tools

SalesForce

Project scheduling tools

Job description

Paid time off, paid holidays, remote work

Company Summary

Cordia is a trusted provider on‑site, distributed and district energy systems, offering integrated solutions across the full energy lifecycle, from planning and financing to construction, ownership, and long‑term operations. With district energy and microgrid facilities throughout numerous metropolitan areas in the United States, Cordia offers a wide variety of sustainable energy solutions to meet our customers' specific needs.

Job Summary

Cordia is seeking a Project Development Manager. This role requires a proven track record of managing the development of complex energy infrastructure transactions. The Project Development Manager will be responsible for originating, structuring, developing, and closing long‑term contracts for district energy and on‑site energy solutions for new clients. Reporting to the Director of Development, this role owns relationships with external stakeholders, navigates complex procurement processes, and works closely with internal teams including engineering, operations, and finance to deliver tailored energy solutions that meet customer goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Focus on developing solutions, commercial structuring, and securing long‑term agreements with new customers.
• Advance customer opportunities, initially in sectors such as higher education, healthcare, real estate, industrial, and related industries.
• Engage directly with potential customers to evaluate energy goals and structure transactions aligned with their operational, financial, and sustainability priorities.
• Develop and structure energy solutions that meet Cordia’s risk and return criteria.
• Lead negotiations for PPAs, ESAs, and other complex contracts, ensuring terms meet client expectations while delivering company growth targets.
• Communicate with decision makers and other potential customer representatives to develop positive relationships to secure the sale of the company's offerings.
• Manage and coordinate all necessary activities during the development process, including environmental permitting and regulatory matters, interconnection processes and electric utility coordination, engineering, and community and stakeholder engagement.
• Plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of project development involving a wide variety of technologies and multi‑disciplined project staff.
• Manage and/or participate in the production and coordination of several projects concurrently.
• Work closely with Cordia’s engineering, operations, and finance personnel to develop project scopes, costs, savings, schedule, and financial expectations, including leading a presentation to the Cordia investment committee prior to the submittal of a project proposal.
• Represent Cordia at key client meetings, industry events, and conferences to expand visibility and strengthen brand presence.
• Travel as needed to meet with customers and support broader business objectives.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid office‑based or fully remote work.
• Candidate must maintain residence in CA, NV, OR, or WA.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, economics, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of project development or business development within district energy, distributed generation, power generation, oil & gas, or other energy infrastructure. Demonstrated success leading multi‑million‑dollar energy or infrastructure transactions with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and procurement processes. Familiarity with outcome‑based, consultative selling practices in healthcare, higher education, or industrial markets. Experience with district energy, central utility systems, or on‑site power generation is a plus.
• Skills: Ability to lead teams and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project scheduling tools. Experience with CRMs; SalesForce experience preferred. Experience with financial and economic modeling of energy projects. Working knowledge of U.S. electricity markets and utility rate structures. Proven ability to negotiate and close complex agreements (ESAs, PPAs, LOI, MOUs).

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated base salary range: $125,000–$165,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Annual performance‑based bonus and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement match, paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Hybrid work schedule with flexible options for onsite and remote work.