Project Development Manager - Thermal & Solar Projects

Job Summary: The Project Development Manager will be responsible for leading, coordinating, and executing the development of thermal and solar energy projects from concept to financial close. The role requires a blend of technical, commercial, and regulatory expertise to ensure projects are developed efficiently, competitively, and in compliance with environmental, permitting, and grid requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Identification & Feasibility

• Identify, assess, and evaluate potential thermal and solar project sites.

• Conduct feasibility studies including resource assessments, site surveys, permitting requirements, and grid interconnection options.

• Prepare and manage project development budgets, timelines, and risk assessments.

2. Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Lead permitting and licensing processes with government agencies, regulators, and local government units.

• Engage with landowners, communities, and other stakeholders to secure land rights, social acceptability, and project approvals.

• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

3. Project Structuring & Commercial Development

• Support financial modeling and project structuring in coordination with finance teams.

• Negotiate and manage project agreements including Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), EPC contracts, O&M agreements, and joint development agreements.

• Work closely with internal legal, finance, and technical teams to secure investment approvals.

4. Project Management & Coordination

• Develop and monitor project schedules, ensuring milestones are met from development through pre-construction.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, permitting, legal, finance) to drive project success.

• Provide regular project updates and reports to senior management.

5. Market & Industry Intelligence

• Monitor energy policies, regulatory developments, and market trends in the power sector (thermal & renewables).

• Identify risks, opportunities, and competitive landscape for project development.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Energy Management, Environmental Science, Business, or related field. Masters degree is an advantage.

• At least 510 years of experience in project development within the power/energy sector (thermal, solar, or other renewables).

• Strong knowledge of power project permitting, regulatory frameworks, and energy markets.

• Proven track record in managing project development from concept to financial close.

• Experience in land acquisition, permitting, stakeholder management, and contract negotiations.

• Strong financial acumen and familiarity with project finance models.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking & problem-solving

• Strong project management discipline

• Negotiation & stakeholder relationship management

• Knowledge of energy regulations & environmental compliance

• Team collaboration and leadership

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