Senior Development Manager

Expertise Delivered; California; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Coalesce Management Consulting (CMC) is seeking a Senior Development Manager to lead renewable energy projects across California, focusing on solar and BESS CEQA sequencing and permitting. The role combines project leadership with hands-on coordination of consultants and regulatory timelines.

You'll mentor junior developers, drive milestone progress, and support financing readiness, NTPs, and potential project transactions across multiple sites, with remote/hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in renewable energy project development or permitting.
• Hands-on experience with California CEQA.
• Experience with utility-scale solar or BESS projects.
• Proven ability to manage consultants and regulators.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work independently as a senior IC.

Responsibilities

• Lead CEQA activities across multiple California solar and BESS projects.
• Manage external environmental and technical consultants, budgets and reviews.
• Oversee CEQA studies and EIR/MND preparation.
• Coordinate with CA Energy Commission and regulators.
• Manage permitting schedules and deadlines.
• Mentor junior development team members.
• Support permitting, financing readiness, NTP and transactions.
• Collaborate with Development Director to hit milestones.

Skills

CEQA management

Stakeholder management

Renewable energy

Project mentoring

Job description

Senior Development Manager - Solar & BESSCalifornia Renewable Energy Projects - Remote / Hybrid Travel

CMC is seeking an experienced Senior Development Manager to support a renewable energy developer across multiple utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects in California. The successful consultant will initially support three projects entering the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process, providing specialist development expertise and guidance to the existing development team. The role will focus on managing environmental consultants, coordinating regulatory approvals, supporting project development milestones and mentoring junior developers. Additional opportunities may include supporting mid- to late-stage development activities through financing, Notice to Proceed (NTP) and transaction closing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate CEQA activities across multiple California solar and BESS projects
• Manage external environmental and technical consultants, including scopes, budgets, deliverables and technical reviews
• Determine appropriate CEQA compliance pathways and oversee preparation of Initial Studies, MNDs, EIRs and supporting documentation
• Coordinate with the California Energy Commission, local authorities, regulatory agencies and project stakeholders
• Manage permitting schedules, regulatory deadlines, public comment periods and approval risks
• Provide practical guidance and mentoring to junior development team members
• Support wider development activities, including permitting, financing readiness, NTP and potential project transactions
• Work closely with the Development Director to ensure projects progress towards key milestones

Required Experience

• 5+ years of relevant project development or environmental permitting experience, ideally within renewable energy
• Strong hands‑on experience managing California CEQA processes
• Experience developing utility-scale solar and/or battery energy storage projects
• Proven ability to manage environmental consultants, regulatory agencies and external stakeholders
• Good understanding of California permitting requirements, environmental studies and regulatory timelines
• Experience supporting mid- to late-stage renewable project development
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and mentoring skills
• Comfortable working independently in a senior individual contributor capacity

Why Join CMC's Network

By partnering with CMC, you'll gain access to a pipeline of high-profile BESS projects led by top-tier developers across North America. We're actively deploying project management expertise on multiple upcoming sites and are looking to engage professionals ready to make an immediate impact in this fast-growing sector.

About CMC

Coalesce Management Consulting partners with leading renewable energy developers across North America, deploying expert Project Managers, Construction Managers, and Owner's Representatives to strengthen project delivery capability across the full BESS lifecycle. We combine technical expertise with deep sector understanding to ensure our clients achieve operational excellence across every project we support.

CMC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all ages and backgrounds and assess candidates solely on merit, skills, and potential. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate in any way.

We welcome applications/enquiries from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities across all regions in which we operate.