Sr. Manager, Development

Job Description: 

Copia is seeking an experienced Sr. Manager of Development with at least 7 years of experience in managing the development of solar portfolio projects from early stage through construction and project commissioning. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in working with teams managing land negotiations, permitting, real estate, and interconnection. This role requires a versatile individual who, while not necessarily an expert in all areas, possesses sufficient knowledge to coordinate effectively and identify the right resources and contractors for various portfolios. The ideal candidate will excel in project management, ensuring that all projects stay on track and meet strategic goals. 

The Sr. Manager, Development will report directly to the Senior Director, Development. This position will be an individual contributor role without direct reports and will work closely with Copia’s development, asset management, energy markets, legal, and finance teams. 

Key Responsibilities: 

The Sr. Manager, Development will work alongside other Copia team members. Specific duties will include:

• Developing a growing portfolio of Copia’s solar and energy storage projects in the WECC and CAISO regions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Coordinating with and managing interdisciplinary teams including land negotiations, real estate, engineering, permitting, interconnection and legal through construction commencement.
• 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.
• Collaborating with internal team and external consultants to site siting constraints, project design, technology options, resource assessments, and procurement strategies.
• Supporting the negotiation of critical project agreements including equipment supply agreements, PPAs, IAs, EPC contracts and O&M agreements.
• 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.

 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 experience (WECC and CAISO 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 using Microsoft Office, project management software and a CRM system
• Ability to work out of the Dana Point, CA, Phoenix, AZ, Salt Lake City, UT, or Lake Oswego, OR office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Ability to travel up to 30% on average and more as required by projects