Sr. Project Developer - Energy

Southland; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the energy sector is seeking a Sr. Project Developer to lead project teams through the development and pre-construction phases. The role involves managing client relationships, overseeing financial activities, and ensuring project execution aligns with strategic goals. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in energy performance contracts and strong leadership skills.

Benefits

401(k) Plan with Company Match

Annual performance-based incentive

100% Paid Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Disability Income Protection

Paid Training Opportunities

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in energy-related performance contracts.
• 3 years of team management experience.
• 7 years of energy industry knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead project development from initial stages to construction.
• Manage project finance activities and customer negotiations.
• Develop detailed scope, schedule, and cost estimates.

Skills

Communication

Risk Assessment

Financial Analysis

Technical Writing

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Sr. Project Developer, you will work closely with the project's Business Development Manager(s) and/or Account Executive(s) to win new work. You will lead the entire post-selection and pre-construction phase of large projects. As the Solutions Executive, you will provide leadership to the assigned project teams from the initial project development through the start of construction for project opportunities within the line of business.

What you’ll do:

1. Gain a deep understanding of client expectations and the value proposition sold by Business Development. Ensure that the final deliverables from the development phase align with sales strategy and that the project is both executable by Operations with acceptable margin vs risk.
2. Lead, coach, and develop successful cross-functional Project Development teams that develop detailed scope, schedule, cost, and savings estimates.
3. Review and approve all technical elements of ECM selection and development to ensure consistency with project goals and acceptable levels of commercial risk.
4. Act as the primary business contact for customers throughout the project development process and strive to build positive working relationships.
5. Guide the selection of subcontractors in accordance with client preferences and Southland standards.
6. Lead project finance activities, including the selection of financing partners, identification of funding and financing options, and creation of final client cash flows.
7. Lead the creation, scope definition, and pricing of ongoing O&M strategies to support clients and ensure sustainable project outcomes for the long term.
8. Create or oversee the creation of detailed Risk Assessments and Risk Reviews for Management approval prior to final submission.
9. Perform customer negotiations for contractual terms and agreements.
10. Ensure the project is properly handed over to the Operations team.

What you’ll need to be successful:

• Experience conducting and directing infrastructure and energy audits conforming to federal contract vehicle requirements, including equipment and infrastructure assessments, baseline, and measurement plans.
• Excellent business acumen and understanding of risk assessment, margin determination, cash flow, and financial analyses.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to clearly present technical and economic information internally and externally.
• Ability to interact and work with multi-functional teams including sales, customers, vendors, engineers, utilities, and Federal agency representatives.
• Strong skills in priority organization, technical writing, and detail orientation, with the ability to produce results in a fast-paced environment.
• Preferably an MBA or MS degree (not required).
• Willingness to travel 50% of the time.

What you bring to the table:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in developing, managing, and implementing complex energy-related performance contracts (ESPC/UESC) or related projects.
• A minimum of 3 years of successful team/people management experience, with the ability to lead, coach, and develop teams.
• A minimum of 7 years of energy industry knowledge specific to energy conservation or management projects such as Cogeneration, DSM, renewable technologies, and HVAC energy reduction projects.
• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

YOU Matter

PEOPLE FIRST: BUILDING TALENT BY DESIGN

At Southland, we aim to build a diverse workforce and foster a safe, collaborative, and inclusive environment that promotes growth, achievement, and respect at all levels.

If you are passionate about our industry, a lifelong learner, accountable, and results-driven, we want you! We hire problem solvers focused on customer value, continuous improvement, and ownership to create impactful experiences. Join us to be part of a company that values PEOPLE, SAFETY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, and SUSTAINABILITY.

Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan with 50% Company Match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Annual performance-based incentive
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance – 100% Paid for Employee
• Term Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Disability Income Protection
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans
• Holidays, Vacation, Personal Time, and Leave
• Training opportunities and paid memberships for professional development

Pay: Final compensation depends on education, experience, skills, and market data, ranging from $130,000 to $180,000 plus incentives and benefits.

For more information: Visit our website: Southland Careers or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Check out our Culture site: Explore Our Culture.

Southland Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and business needs, without regard to protected characteristics.

All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and references. We do not sponsor employment at this time.

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