Director of Development, Execution 

Company

Orenda is on a mission to make the grid more efficient with renewable energy projects and proprietary asset management technology. We develop, build, own and operate battery energy storage projects in dense urban environments to bridge the gap between renewables and electricity consumption.

We are a dynamic, NYC-based startup at the forefront of a new industry. We are seeking highly motivated and incredibly talented individuals who wish to contribute to our important mission. 

Role 

Orenda’s Execution team is responsible for designing, permitting, procuring equipment, and constructing distributed energy resources. We thoughtfully develop processes and manage third parties to bring these projects to life. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Development to lead this critical first division of the Project Execution team.

This leadership role takes command of projects after they have been successfully validated by our Origination team. You will take ownership of our projects once an interconnection agreement is secured, initial diligence is complete, and leadership has approved the project for full development. Your mission is to guide these projects through the entire late-stage development process, encompassing detailed engineering, design, and final permitting, to deliver a fully permitted asset that is shovel ready. Reporting directly to the Chief Project Officer, you will lead a dedicated team, including a Permitting Manager and an Engineering Manager, to successfully navigate the complex design and regulatory landscape. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional with a talent for team leadership and a deep understanding of energy project development, who can ensure our projects are meticulously planned, de-risked, and primed for a seamless handover to our construction division.

What you’ll do

• Strategic Project Oversight: Provide strategic direction for the portfolio of late-stage development projects, taking ownership after handover from the Origination team. Ensure each project's execution plan for detailed engineering, permitting, and procurement aligns with the company's financial targets and the project’s approved budget and strategic objectives.


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


• 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.


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


• Engineering & Design Direction: Oversee the Engineering Manager 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 Manager in the creation and execution of comprehensive permitting strategies. Provide senior guidance on negotiations with AHJs, utilities, and key community stakeholders, stepping in on high-stakes issues as needed.


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


• Budget and Schedule Accountability: Hold ultimate accountability for all pre-construction budgets and schedules. Review and approve project-level plans developed by your team and ensure they meet corporate objectives.


• Orchestrate Construction Handover: Supervise and ensure the final preparation and comprehensive handover of fully developed projects to the construction department, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to the build phase.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field.


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


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


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


• Strategic Communication: Proven ability to operate at a strategic level and communicate effectively with C-suite executives, financial partners, and external stakeholders.


• Financial Acumen: Strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-million dollar development budgets.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

• Direct experience in the renewable energy, power generation, or electrical infrastructure sectors is highly desirable.


• Experience managing development projects within New York City or a similarly dense and complex urban regulatory environment.

Skills and Attributes:

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


• Extremely organized, process-oriented, and capable of leading multiple complex projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.


• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.


• A deep passion for clean energy and the company's mission.


• A relentlessly positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a sense of humor.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-office position requiring work from our headquarters (Brooklyn, NY) five days a week.

Compensation

Orenda Inc. offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent.

Base Salary: The anticipated base salary range for this full-time position in New York City is $185,000 - $225,000 per year. The final base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the successful candidate's relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

Bonus: In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible for a significant annual performance-based bonus.

Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance


• 401(k) plan


• LifeTime Fitness corporate membership


• Monthly commuter stipend


• Learning and education stipend


• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy

Orenda Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.