Director of Development, U.S.
Planted Solar, Oakland, CA, United States
First, the good news: The world now has over 1.7 terawatts of cumulative solar capacity and solar PV is the lowest-cost source of energy generation worldwide.
The challenge: The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years.
Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry develops and builds solar power resources. And we need help. We're expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and operators. Come own large parts of product, company, or business development and help power the world with 100% clean energy.
About The Role
The Director of Development will be responsible for utility-scale project origination, business development, and partner relationships in target regions of the U.S. Successful candidates will possess market expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, energy and infrastructure financial acumen, an engineering mindset, and a desire to build the business from the ground up.
This position will be vital in developing the project pipeline and closing deals, and will require close collaboration with product, engineering, and service delivery teams. We prefer candidates in the Bay Area, but we will consider great candidates elsewhere (regular travel to Oakland and elsewhere will be required.)
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leverage market knowledge to lead origination and commercial strategy focused on advancing large-scale renewable energy projects
- Originate, structure, and negotiate key agreements from the initial project proposal through diligence, contracting, and closing
- Manage and support key commercial relationships with external counterparties
- Identify insights from techno-economic analysis to inform commercial strategy
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, and other teams to inform project development and market offering
- Develop strategic solutions to address key commercial challenges
- Communicate and support product, process, and contracting recommendations to the senior management team
- Travel occasionally to attend conferences and meet with customers and partners
- 5+ years of working experience in the energy industry
- Experience with utility-scale solar project development and origination
- Exposure to negotiating and structuring commercial agreements including, but not limited to: letters of intent, joint venture agreements, and master supply contracts
- Hands-on ownership mentality and ability to drive results with curiosity, humility, and resourcefulness in dynamic and ambiguous environments
- Strong communication, organization, and relationship management skills
- Advanced financial and technical modeling expertise
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in business, economics, math, engineering or related field
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- Mostly desk work using standard office equipment
- The position requires some travel for customer and business meetings and company-wide meetings
What We Offer
- 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Company-paid in-office lunches
- Stock options
- Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- 401(k)
- A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate
- You want to solve challenging problems
- You are biased toward action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
- You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
- You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
- You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
- You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others
Planted Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.