Project Manager

Onward Energy; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match (up to 6%)

Comprehensive medical coverage

Job summary

Onward Energy is seeking a Project Manager to lead development initiatives for renewable and thermal projects. The role focuses on environmental permitting, interconnection, land rights, and offtake activities while building cross-functional teams and managing schedules, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.

The successful candidate will bring 5–10 years in energy project development, strong communication, and a proactive approach to risk management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project development in the energy industry (thermal generation a plus).
• Demonstrated development and project management experience.
• PMP or other project management certifications a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project schedules and budgets.
• Advance all aspects of project development including interconnection, land rights, and offtake activities.
• Cultivate relationships with load serving entities, regulators, communities, and contractors.
• Support cross-functional teams including M&A, origination, environmental, engineering, and operations.
• Stay informed on industry trends affecting energy development.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental permitting

Interconnection processes

Land rights

Offtake structuring

Regulatory markets

PMP or PM certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Economics/Environmental Studies or Engineering

Tools

PMP

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Project Manager

Reports To: Senior Manager, Development

Direct Reports: No

Functional Unit: Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Location: Charlotte, NC or Denver, CO

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power producer that owns and operates over 6.2 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York, and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This lean development team is at the heart of Onward Energy’s growth strategy. This is a unique opportunity to work at a strong, stable company and help build out the development team. The Development Manager will lead project development initiatives in both the renewable and thermal portfolio. Onward’s pipeline includes early, mid, and late-stage projects in CAISO, WECC, ERCOT, MISO, ISO-NE, and the Southeast.

The ideal candidate has 5-10 years of experience driving utility scale projects from inception to COD. Key skills include environmental and land use permitting, understanding of regulatory markets, electric interconnection process, gas supply and transportation strategies, land acquisition, stakeholder engagement, and commercial offtake structuring. Experience involving equipment procurement, power plant fundaments, and contracting is valuable.
The right hire is a self-starter who identifies project risk and proactively works to solve it. Preferred candidates bring a mix of ambition, collaboration, exceptional interpersonal skills, and grit.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage project schedules and budgets in collaboration with team members and external contractors
• Advance all aspects of project development: environmental and land use permitting, interconnection, land rights, stakeholder engagement, and offtake activities
• Develop and cultivate strategic relationships with load serving entities, contractors, regulatory and government bodies, local communities, equipment suppliers, and other stakeholders
• Support cross-functional teams including M&A, origination, environmental, engineering, and operations including preparation of marketing materials and bid submission packages for participation in competitive offtake solicitations (i.e., responses to Requests for Proposals)
• Stay well-informed and up to date of industry trends impacting current and future energy development opportunities, including interconnection processes, environmental and land use permitting, tax incentives, technology developments, market structuring and regulations, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

Ambitious, high energy, detail-oriented project developer. Bachelor’s in Business, Economics, Environmental Studies or Engineering. Demonstrated development and project management experience. PMP or other project management certifications a plus.

• 5+ years of experience in project development in the energy industry, thermal generation experience a plus.
• Strong project management capabilities, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High drive paired with highly collaborative worth ethic
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong, critical thinking, creative problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work well both independently (with minimal supervision) and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Highly ambitious and collaborative

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is collaborative, dedicated, hard-working, and down-to-earth. The management team is comprised of seasoned industry professionals supported by experienced project operators and advisors. We invest in team members who are intellectually curious, take ownership and want to grow into trusted development professionals and future leaders of our industry.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to stand, walk, talk, hear, and close and distance vision capability.
• Ability to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.
• Able to score higher than 100 in bowling

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Onward Energy is currently implementing a hybrid office environment. Employees are expected to work in the office three days per week. The position functions in a smoke and vape free professional office environment. The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as laptop computer, phone, and scanner/photocopier.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy offers employees a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work. In addition to market competitive compensation, Onward provides robust medical coverage, including life insurance. Onward provides a 401(k) with 100% company match on contributions up to 6% of pay.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to [e-mail].

EEO STATEMENT

Onward Energy is an Affirmitive Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.