Project Development Manager

Industry: Utility-Scale Renewable Energy | Location: U.S. | Job Type: Remote, Full-Time, Permanent | Reports To: Director of Development

About the role

Zelestra is seeking a skilled Project Development Manager to lead the development of new energy infrastructure. You’ll be a part of a dedicated team focused on mid-to late-stage project development with the specific goal of delivering construction-ready renewable energy projects on-time to meet our customer commitments.

Responsibilities

• Lead all of mid-to late-stage utility-scale renewable energy projects in close collaboration with subject matter experts.
• Manage the interconnection process with sensitivity to utility and ISO requirements.
• Oversee project design and engineering.
• Work closely with internal and external engineers to optimize project competitiveness.
• Direct stakeholder engagement, including to local, state, and federal agencies, landowners, and community members.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project budgets and schedules, and provide key economic inputs for financial modeling and investment decisions.
• Coordinate internal and external resources across disciplines—real estate, permitting, interconnection, transmission, marketing, engineering, and financing.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Finance team to align deal structure, tax strategy, and financial assumptions with underwriting requirements.
• Monitor and analyze U.S. market trends and policy developments to identify risks and opportunities, advising on their strategic implications.
• Ensure effective communication with all project stakeholders, fostering alignment and addressing concerns to support smooth project progression.
• Drive late-stage project readiness, ensuring all commercial, technical, and financial elements are in place for successful execution and financing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, environmental studies, business, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a proven track record of successfully advancing renewable energy projects to Notice to Proceed (NTP).
• Experience navigating county permitting processes.
• Experience in utility-scale renewable energy project development is preferred.
• Strong market knowledge, due diligence capabilities, and excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated success working across real estate, permitting, interconnection, power marketing, and EPC activities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts and due diligence teams throughout all project phases.
• Skilled in financial modeling and project economics.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent relationship management skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% as project needs require.

Pay

The anticipated starting salary range for this role is $130,000