SOLAR Development Project Manager

Novitium Energy • Full-time • Remote • 2w ago

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Portfolio Volume: Have you managed a commercial project portfolio with an aggregate capacity of 10MW or greater?
Contractual Knowledge: Do you have direct experience negotiating Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Interconnection Agreements, or high-value EPC contracts?
Commercial solar development often involves 'unforeseen' budget killers like high utility upgrade costs, subsurface soil issues, or local permitting delays. Describe a specific commercial project where you hit a major financial pitfall during development. How did you quantify the impact on the project's IRR/margin, and what specific mitigation strategies (e.g., equipment value engineering, PPA renegotiation, or vendor credit) did you use to bring the project back to a 'Buy' decision?
Commercial Focus: Do you have 5+ years of experience specifically in Commercial/Industrial (C&I) or Utility-scale solar development? (Note: Residential-only experience does not qualify).
Project Lifecycle: Have you successfully led at least 3 commercial solar projects from the initial development/contracting phase all the way to Notice to Proceed (NTP)?

Work Location: Remote