Project Development Manager

ACCIONA Energía is the biggest 100% renewable energy company with no fossil legacy in the world. With more than 30 years of experience and operations in 20 countries on five continents, ACCIONA Energía offers a wide portfolio of tailored energy solutions so that its corporate and institutional clients can meet their decarbonisation goals. This includes the development, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of renewable power plants -mainly wind and photovoltaic technologies-, energy sales and management and marketing, energy services, self-consumption, electric mobility and new technologies such as storage and green hydrogen. ACCIONA Energía is governed by the most demanding environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria.

The Project Development Manager will lead the development of our renewable energy projects, overseeing all stages from early feasibility through construction. This role requires a strong understanding of all US energy markets, including PJM and WECC, to effectively plan and implement development strategies. The Manager will collaborate closely with the Business Development team while engaging with all other departments.
With a high degree of autonomy, this position combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution to drive renewable energy initiatives.

• Manage process to move projects from early-stage development to commercial, pre-construction and through construction stages, whether projects are acquired or initiated green field internally
• Effectively manage green field and existing projects to ensure schedule and budget objectives are achieved
• Coordinate feasibility studies and project development activities with cross-functional resources, peers, and outside consultants to ensure projects stay on track
• Negotiate land rights acquisition or supervise third-party land agents with landowners and address land use issues
• Work with internal experts and external consultants to define, apply for, and manage complex federal, state, and local environmental, construction, and related permits, and support community outreach efforts with stakeholders
• Work with M&A to identify and introduce new potential partners, project acquisition opportunities, and green field opportunities, as well as possible asset rotation initiatives.
• Work with Power Marketing staff to identify commercial solutions.
• Work with Engineering staff to advance interconnection studies, load flow analyses and coordinate project schedules with interconnection timelines.
• Identify and communicate any project risks and develop mitigation strategies for all Acciona stakeholders
• Strong understanding of Acciona’s products as well as business position and competition to keep business competitive.
• Identify and develop relationships with stakeholders; effectively communicate with a range of personalities, including landowners, partners, government officials, technical experts, utilities, and consultants.
• Prepare and present detailed project analysis to key Acciona stakeholders, including presentation of key technical and financial metrics
• Effectively manage internal and external relationships
• Actively participate in the development of business cases for growth in the North American market.
• Coordinate with other corporate departments, both domestic and international
• Ensure that timelines and corporate budgets are effectively managed

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Physical Science, Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent education and work experience and minimum 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in project development.
• Demonstrated previous experience (2- 3 years minimum) in utility-scale renewable energy project development (BESS, Wind, Solar, or emerging renewable energy technologies). Understanding of regulated and deregulated electricity markets.
• Knowledge and experience in buy-side and sell-side transactions(M&A), including due diligence, valuation, and deal structuring for renewable energy projects, would be an asset
•  Excellent written and oral communications skills; the ability to develop clear and concise development plans and presentations regarding project status, timeline, risk assessment, and budget needs and performance
• Ability to express technical and nontechnical concepts clearly and concisely
• Ability to operate at a detailed level, to organize and multi-task, with a dedication to seeing projects through to completion
• Understanding of local community dynamics, with the ability to negotiate effectively with permitting authorities, utilities, and other stakeholders
• Understanding of cost accounting, budgeting, and contract implementation and management
• Works well in and potentially be responsible for leading a team environment or individually; must be able to collaborate
• Willingness to travel (up to 50% of the time).

Benefits – we’ve got you covered!

• Base Pay: $120,000 – $155,000 (based on experience, education, and skillset)
• Annual Company Bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits starting on Day 1, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and eligible dependents, plus an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), HSA company contributions, and FSA options. After 90 days, you'll also have access to life insurance, disability coverage, paid parental leave, and optional plans
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting after 90 days
• 15 days of PTO (with 1 additional day per year of service), 9 public holidays, and 2 flexible holidays
• $50 monthly reimbursement for health, wellness, or fitness-related memberships and equipment
• Career development and growth opportunities, along with access to technical, skills, and language training programs, including tuition reimbursement
• Downtown Chicago office, featuring a modern, open layout with plenty of collaborative spaces and breakout areas. Daily perks include coffee, complimentary healthy snacks, and free access to the building’s fitness center
• Hybrid work schedule, with 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home, plus early Fridays with a 3 p.m. cut-off

Learn more about Acciona Energia in North America: http://www.acciona-energia.com/north-america-talent/

As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition.