Solar Development Project Manager

SALARY RANGE: $100-$140K

REMOTE POSITION WITH 25-30% TRAVEL

MUST BE AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE US

Overview

The Development Project Manager (DPM) is responsible for the comprehensive management of utility-scale or distributed generation solar projects throughout the pre-construction development lifecycle—from post-sale handoff through due diligence, final design, permitting, and handoff to the Construction team (NTP). The DPM will ensure all projects meet established scope, budget, schedule, and safety requirements while maintaining strong alignment with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

• Manage the full project development lifecycle for singular and portfolio solar projects, coordinating due diligence, engineering, estimates, permitting, and procurement simultaneously across multiple sites.
• Develop and implement comprehensive, achievable project work plans and detailed, logic-based schedules for each project.
• Drive and manage the complex permitting process for all projects across various jurisdictions and locations, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
• Work with our internal software tools to ensure accurate project tracking and maintain cross-departmental project understanding.
• Enhance and enforce the company's safety culture at the project level, emphasizing safety as a paramount concern throughout development.

Financial Management & Procurement

• Create and manage detailed development and contractible budgets, tracking expenditures against estimates.
• Collaborate with the Internal Estimator and installation partners to obtain accurate cost estimates that support sales and development efforts in the pre-Notice to Proceed (NTP) phase.
• Create bid packages, analyze vendor bids, and assist in the awarding of contracts.
• Prequalify potential partners and vendors and support Estimators as needed.
• Draft and negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and consultants as required.

Engineering & Due Diligence

• Manage external and internal engineering teams and contractors to support project goals and ensure design adherence to specifications.
• Work directly with in-house and external engineering and various consultants to support early design stages and critical due diligence activities.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Maintain and manage client relationships and expectations as they pertain to assigned projects.
• Work collaboratively with numerous internal and external stakeholders (including regulators, landowners, and utility partners) to ensure projects have achievable scope and timeline requirements.
• Coordinate effectively with the Engineering, Procurement, and Business Development teams to maintain continued alignment with high-level company objectives and workflows.
• Generate effective reports for company management on the status, progress, and relevant issues, risks, and mitigations for all active solar projects.

Qualifications and Skills (Derived)

• Proven experience managing the development phase of multiple complex projects simultaneously, preferably in the solar or renewable energy sector.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, permitting processes, and procurement/contracting in the energy industry.
• Exceptional skills in project scheduling (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) and budget management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective internal reporting and external client management.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.