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Orenda, Inc · 20 hours ago

Director, Development (Project Execution)

New York, NY

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$185K/yr - $250K/yr

10+ years exp

Orenda, Inc is on a mission to enhance grid efficiency through renewable energy projects and proprietary asset management technology. The Director of Development will lead the Project Execution division, overseeing the design, permitting, and construction of battery energy storage projects, ensuring they are shovel ready for the construction phase.

EnergyEnergy StorageRenewable Energy

Responsibilities

Strategic Management of a Portfolio of BESS Projects: Develop and scale up the framework to efficiently manage the site and permitting phase of a portfolio of BESS projects, taking ownership after handover from the Origination division until they are shovel ready. Within this framework, direct a team of Project Managers to proactively manage project specific plans that consistently deliver shovel ready projects within established budget, schedule, and quality targets

Engineering & Design: Manage the Principal Engineer to ensure the development of robust, cost-effective, and constructible BESS designs. Guide major technical decisions and ensure designs meet all utility and regulatory requirements

Permitting Strategy: Direct the Permitting Lead in the creation and execution of comprehensive permitting strategies. Provide senior guidance on negotiations with AHJs, stepping in on high-stakes issues as needed

Budget and Schedule Accountability: Hold ultimate accountability for all budgets and schedules related to site design and permitting. Review and approve project-level plans developed by your team and ensure they meet corporate objectives

Process and Program Improvement: Develop and refine best-in-class processes, tools and standards for the site design and permitting of BESS projects to improve efficiency, reduce timelines, and mitigate risk across the portfolio

Risk Mitigation & Problem Solving: Act as the primary escalation point for the project development team, proactively identifying major risks and roadblocks and leading the development of innovative solutions to complex challenges

Orchestrate Construction Handover: Supervise and ensure the final preparation and comprehensive handover of shovel-ready projects to the construction department, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to the build phase

Executive Reporting: Serve as the primary liaison between the project development team and the executive suite. Report directly to the Chief Project Officer on project milestones, budget adherence, risk assessment, and key development decisions

Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of direct reports. Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, setting clear goals and empowering your team to execute on all design and permitting tasks

Qualification

Project ExecutionFinancial AcumenLeadershipEngineering & DesignPermitting StrategyStrategic CommunicationProcess ImprovementRisk MitigationPassion for Clean EnergyTeam LeadershipNegotiation SkillsInterpersonal Skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field

A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in a technical project development field such as architecture, engineering, or infrastructure/real estate development

At least 5 years of experience in a direct leadership role, with a proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team

Expertise in managing all facets of project execution, including detailed design, permitting, schedule creation, and budget adherence, to successfully bring complex projects to a state that is ready for construction

Proven ability to operate at a strategic level and communicate effectively with C-suite executives, and external stakeholders

Strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-million dollar development budgets