Senior Utility-Scale Project Development Director

RWE Gruppe; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

401(k) match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Education Assistance

Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Short-term Incentives

Job summary

RWE Americas, LLC is pursuing a Development Director, Utility-Scale Development - Central Region to lead the end-to-end development of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects across the U.S. and Canada.

You will guide greenfielding, permitting, interconnection, and readiness for construction while shaping regional strategy. The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering or related field and 11+ years in utility-scale development, with strong leadership, financial, and stakeholder skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business/economics, environmental science, planning, or related field.
• Minimum 11 years of relevant work experience in utility-scale wind, solar, or storage development.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing external consultants.
• Expert knowledge of utility-scale project development from land control to permitting and interconnection.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with ability to assess project economics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects from greenfielding through construction readiness.
• Direct cross-functional teams without direct people-management authority for high-priority projects.
• Manage full project lifecycle including due diligence, permitting, interconnection, and financing support.
• Define project strategy, budgets, schedules, and risk management; optimize cost and value.
• Lead negotiations with landowners, utilities, regulators, and strategic partners.
• Support project acquisitions, divestitures, and other transactions with due diligence input.
• Prepare executive presentations and investment recommendations for senior leadership.
• Provide strategic mentorship to Development Managers and Associates.

Skills

Project development

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Cross-functional leadership

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

MS Office

Job description

RWE Americas, LLC is pursuing a Development Director, Utility-Scale Development - Central Region to lead the end-to-end development of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects across the U.S. and Canada.

You will guide greenfielding, permitting, interconnection, and readiness for construction while shaping regional strategy. The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering or related field and 11+ years in utility-scale development, with strong leadership, financial, and stakeholder skills.