Sr. Manager/Director, Development

Copia Power is an energy transition company committed to developing, constructing and owning large-scale infrastructure assets in the U.S. to accelerate decarbonization in all areas of our economy. Copia Power is actively developing more than 15 GW of solar and energy storage projects in the US. Copia Power is backed by Carlyle, one of the world’s largest global investment firms.

At Copia, we pride ourselves on a culture where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We’re dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the environment, and we believe that achieving this goal requires not just hard work but also enjoying the journey. Our team thrives on connectivity, fostering strong relationships across all levels of the organization. We champion a healthy work-life balance and create an environment where having fun is a natural part of our day. Together, we combine passion and playfulness to drive progress and make a difference.

Job Description:

Copia is seeking an experienced Sr. Manager/Director, Development with 7+ years of experience in the renewable energy space with exposure to land negotiations, real estate, engineering, permitting, interconnection, and legal through construction commencement. This role requires a versatile individual who possesses exceptional decision-making, communication, and influencing skills as well as the ability to collaborate well in a fast-paced, people-first company. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting large portfolio projects through the full project cycle from financing through construction.

What you will do:

The Sr. Manager/Director, Development will report directly to the Chief Development Officer and will manage one (1) direct report. The Sr. Manager/Director, Development will work closely with Copia’s development, engineering, energy markets, legal, and finance teams.

The Sr. Manager/Director, Development will work alongside other Copia team members to develop a growing portfolio of Copia’s solar, energy storage, and load projects in the PJM and MISO regions. Specific duties will include:

1. Leading a team of subject matter experts to develop early and late-stage renewable energy projects, manage projects into the construction phase, and support the project through commissioning and project financing for handover to asset management and operations.
2. Managing the development of a portfolio of projects: budgeting and finances, project timing and planning, risks assessment, and defining portfolio priorities based on development metrics and offtake potential.
3. Coordinating with and managing interdisciplinary teams including land negotiations, real estate, engineering, permitting, interconnection, and legal through construction commencement.
4. Facilitating project discretionary permitting including permit strategy, tracking permit efforts, working with local AHJs, and obtaining all entitlements for the successful construction and operation of project facilities.
5. Collaborating with an internal team and external consultants to site siting constraints, project design, technology options, resource assessments, and procurement strategies.
6. Supporting the negotiation of critical project agreements including equipment supply agreements, PPAs, IAs, EPC contracts, and O&M agreements.
7. Managing and conducting due diligence on individual or portfolio acquisitions within the region, where they will work closely with the business development and M&A team to assess project risk and opportunity, complete project valuations, and make recommendations on transaction, structuring, and acquisition of assets.
8. Overseeing one direct report, the Manager of Development, by offering guidance and support regarding their job responsibilities and delivering performance-related feedback.

What we look for:

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.
• Highly driven with problem-solving abilities, integrity, and strong work ethic.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work effectively within a rapidly changing organization.
• Demonstrated collaborative partnerships with peers, management, and vendors.
• Resourcefulness and polite persistence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 7+ years professional experience in renewable energy project development (PJM and/or MISO experience required), including exposure to utilities, interconnection, permitting, contracting, and financing.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in finance, engineering, environmental studies, renewable energy, project/construction management, or similar discipline.
• Experience in consulting and/or geology is preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and a CRM system.
• Exposure to land negotiations, real estate, engineering, permitting, interconnection, and legal through construction commencement.
• Ability to work in the Washington, D.C. office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Our Benefits:

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone at Copia to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We offer flexible work hours and generous benefits to all of our employees that include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage (with no premiums)
• 401(k) plan
• Annual bonus eligibility
• Flexible work hours
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Wellness Credit
• Life and LD&D Insurance
• Employee Resource Groups
• Professional Development Opportunities

About Copia: Copia Power (“Copia”), is a wholly owned portfolio company of the global investment firm, The Carlyle Group. Copia’s platform is focused on developing, owning, and operating utility-scale sustainable infrastructure in the United States. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For more information, visit www.copiapower.com.

At Copia, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

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