SVP, Solar & Storage Development — ERCOT Leader

Climate17; City of Rochester (NY); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

A renewable energy recruitment firm is seeking a Vice President of Development in Texas. This role involves leading utility-scale solar and storage projects, from inception through execution. Candidates should have 8-12 years of experience in project development, knowledge of Texas regulatory processes, and the ability to manage diverse teams. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 8-12 years’ experience in utility-scale solar or hybrid project development.
• Proven success managing ERCOT projects through NTP or COD.
• Strong knowledge of Texas-specific interconnection, land, and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of utility-scale solar and storage projects.
• Oversee land acquisition, permits, and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage internal teams and external consultants across all development stages.

Skills

Utility-scale solar project development

Project management

Knowledge of interconnection and permitting

Cross-functional team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business or Environmental Science

Job description

Climate17 is proud to partner with a leading US-based renewable energy developer specialising in utility-scale solar project development, ownership, and operations. With a growing pipeline across key US energy markets, the business is expanding its development function and is seeking a Real Estate / Land Development Manager to join its San Antonio-based team. This is a hands-on opportunity focused heavily on land acquisition, site prospecting, landowner engagement, and early-stage project development.

• Location: San Antonio
• Travel: As required across project sites and stakeholder meetings (within TX)

You will play a key role in identifying and securing land for future utility-scale renewable energy projects, with a particular focus on early-stage prospecting and land acquisition. You will research potential sites, build relationships with landowners and local stakeholders, assess opportunities, and negotiate land agreements that create a strong foundation for future project development. Renewable energy experience is beneficial, but strong land, real estate, landman, or site acquisition experience will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and evaluate potential land opportunities suitable for utility-scale renewable energy projects
• Conduct land and property research, including ownership, title, parcel information, zoning, land use, and development constraints
• Prospect for new sites through desktop research, mapping, market analysis, local networks, and direct landowner outreach
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners, land agents, brokers, local stakeholders, and other parties involved in site acquisition
• Lead negotiations for leases, easements, options, rights-of-way, purchase agreements, and other real estate arrangements
• Coordinate site visits, property assessments, and early-stage due diligence to determine project viability
• Monitor local planning, zoning, land use, and regulatory considerations that may affect potential sites
• Work closely with internal development, legal, technical, and commercial teams to progress viable land opportunities
• Maintain accurate records of landowner discussions, property status, agreements, and prospective development sites
• Support the transition of secured land opportunities into the wider project development process

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Land Management, Business, Energy, Environmental Studies, or a related field preferred
• 4+ years of experience in land acquisition, real estate development, land management, landman, right-of-way, site acquisition, or renewable energy development
• Proven experience prospecting for land opportunities and assessing the suitability of potential sites
• Strong track record of building relationships and negotiating directly with landowners and property stakeholders
• Experience with leases, easements, options, rights-of-way, purchase agreements, or other real estate contracts
• Strong understanding of property ownership, land records, zoning, land use, and real estate due diligence
• Renewable energy experience, particularly utility-scale solar, is beneficial but not essential
• Comfortable working independently, managing multiple opportunities, and spending significant time developing new relationships
• Willingness to travel regularly across project markets and meet landowners and stakeholders in the field

About Us

Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process

Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment or