Project Development Manager

Primergy Solar Management; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Entrepreneurial culture

Opportunity for career growth

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company is looking for a Project Development Manager in the Oakland area to oversee solar power generation projects. This role requires at least 4 years of relevant experience and involves project management, contract negotiation, and development efforts in a dynamic market. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in renewable energy and be able to navigate the complexities of the energy market. Competitive compensation and a supportive team environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Requires 4+ years of relevant renewable energy development experience.
• Experience in solar development and energy storage preferred.
• Ability to communicate complex issues into actionable deliverables.
• Solar development and energy storage development experience preferred.
• Data Center Siting and/or Data Center development experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop utility-scale solar power generation facilities.
• Manage project budgets, objectives, schedules, and deliverables.
• Engage community and institutions for project support.
• Propose and implement development approaches that reduce permitting risk and optimize project value.
• Negotiate development services agreements and support finance in feasibility, debt, and tax equity processes.
• Travel to site locations (approximately 30%) to meet landowners and evaluate sites.

Skills

Project development knowledge

Renewable energy market dynamics

Communication skills

Research skills

Attention to detail

Market knowledge

Adaptability

Commercial mindset

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Primergy is a developer, owner, and operator specializing in utility‑scale solar PV and battery storage projects across the United States. The company manages a significant portfolio of operational and development‑stage projects across major energy markets, including ERCOT, MISO, PJM, CAISO, WECC, and SERC. With a diverse and talented team bringing decades of expertise in renewable energy project development, financing, construction, and operations, Primergy leads the industry in delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions. Primergy is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners and is the primary investment platform for Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners’ solar and solar‑plus‑energy‑storage activities in North America.

Primergy is growing our experienced team to manage the significant growth in our business. We offer a fun, entrepreneurial culture, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to work with an experienced, achievement‑oriented team.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Development Manager will be responsible for the development of solar, solar + storage and energy storage projects through project management, contract negotiation, and transaction support across a pipeline of projects targeting wholesale power markets in the US and Canada. The Project Development Manager will report to the Senior Director of Development and will be a member of the Development team. The successful candidate will have at least four years of experience in the energy industry, specifically in North America energy infrastructure development. The role will initially focus on projects in the WECC, SPP, and ERCOT markets across both private and public lands. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in data center siting or development, as well as those with a background in siting and developing natural gas or other non‑renewable generation resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Development of utility‑scale solar power generation facilities within the United States
• Manage all aspects of solar and solar+energy storage project development from initial greenfield or acquisition efforts through to the start of construction.
• Support and conduct due diligence on development‑stage project and portfolio acquisitions, including comparison and prioritization of multiple opportunities based on risks, schedules, valuations, investment criteria, and other project metrics.
• Ability to communicate and sync cross‑functionally, including off‑take M&A, Origination, Transmission, Legal, Project Finance, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction team members regularly to minimize project risks.
• Identify, propose, and implement creative or alternative project development approaches that reduce exposure to permitting risks, optimize development schedules or drive additional project value.
• Manage and administer development services agreements with local or regional development partners.
• Work with finance department during financial feasibility analysis, evaluation, and during the project debt and tax equity financing processes.
• Manage project budgets, objectives, schedules, and deliverables for assigned development projects.
• Travel to site locations to meet with landowners and evaluate sites.
• Negotiate tax abatements, land use agreements, mitigation settlements, and various other agreements.
• Engage community, local, state, and federal institutions for project support. Manage contractors, vendors, and consultants to maintain project timeline, value optimization, and budget.
• Secure permits and ensure environmental compliance throughout the development, construction, and operation of projects.
• Coordinate and provide input to project interconnection requests, load‑flow and congestion studies, and other necessary aspects of securing project transmission.
• Provide market intelligence feedback to the M&A team to inform on the development and acquisition strategies.
• Highly energetic and results‑driven with a teamwork attitude.
• 5% – Other duties as assigned.
• Approximately 30% travel required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4+ years of relevant renewable energy development experience.
• Experience with and understanding of project development.
• Solar development and energy storage development experience is preferred.
• Data Center Siting and/or Data Center development experience preferred.

SKILLSET

• Honesty and integrity.
• Resourceful and accomplished research skills – ability to effectively utilize publicly available materials.
• Ability to succinctly communicate and summarize complex issues into actionable deliverables.
• Driven, resourceful and comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Rigorous attention to detail, work ethic, personal responsibility, work product ownership, and organizational skills.
• Requires intimate knowledge of the power and renewable energy market dynamics. Preference for renewable experience in U.S. competitive wholesale electricity markets.
• Requires the ability to stay current with changing technologies, regulations, and trends influencing the continued adoption of renewable energy.
• Commercial mindset, strong prioritization, communication, and organizational skills are required.
• Ability to quickly step into new tasks and adapt to new circumstances in a dynamic environment.

Primergy is committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We understand that individuals from historically underrepresented groups — including women and people of color — may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet 100% of the listed qualification. If this role aligns with your interests and career goals, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the criteria.