Solar Project Development Manager

Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global); New Jersey; Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global) is seeking a Solar Project Development Manager to lead utility-scale solar projects from origination through development to NTP. You will oversee permitting, zoning, stakeholder engagement, budgets, schedules, and risk while coordinating cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has five+ years in project development, strong permitting knowledge, and experience with renewable energy projects.

Qualifications

• At least five years of project development experience.
• Experience with utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of state and county permitting processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage permitting applications, zoning reviews, and regulatory approvals.
• Build and maintain relationships with local officials, communities, landowners, and stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal teams and external consultants to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
• Identify development risks and mitigation strategies.
• Represent the company at public hearings and community meetings, including occasional evening events.
• Support project acquisitions and growth of the development pipeline.
• Provide updates on project progress, budgets, schedules, and risks.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

LOCATION REQUIREMENT: Arlington, VA (onsite) or remote within the U.S. East Coast region. Remote candidates must reside on the U.S. East Coast.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 30-50% regional travel is required. Travel includes project site visits, permitting and zoning hearings, and stakeholder and community meetings. Candidates must be able to travel regularly throughout the region, including occasional evening meetings.

Position Overview

As a Solar Project Development Manager, you will lead utility-scale solar projects from origination through development and ultimately to Notice to Proceed (NTP). You will oversee permitting, zoning, stakeholder engagement, project budgets, schedules, and risk management while coordinating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, environmental, legal, real estate, EPC, and other project partners.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of project development experience, a strong understanding of state and county permitting processes, and a proven track record of advancing renewable energy projects. Experience with utility-scale solar, wind, or battery energy storage systems (BESS) is preferred. Strong project management, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage permitting applications, zoning reviews, and regulatory approval processes.
• Build and maintain relationships with local officials, communities, landowners, and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal teams and external consultants to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
• Identify development risks, permitting opportunities, and mitigation strategies.
• Represent the company at public hearings, permitting proceedings, and community meetings, including occasional evening events.
• Support project acquisitions, marketing strategies, and the growth of the project development pipeline.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, budgets, schedules, and development risks.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least five years of project development experience, preferably in the renewable energy industry.
• Location: Must be available to work onsite in Arlington, VA, or, if working remotely, reside within the U.S. East Coast region.
• Travel: Must be willing and able to travel regionally 30-50% of the time, including project site visits, permitting hearings, and stakeholder meetings.
• Valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Strong knowledge of state and county permitting, zoning, and regulatory approval processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, conduct field visits, and attend occasional evening meetings.