Head of Development - ERCOT

Climate17 is proud to partner with a growing renewable energy platform with a significant portfolio of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects across Texas. With a strong pipeline already secured and further growth planned, the business is expanding its development function and is looking for an experienced development leader to take ownership of projects through the later stages of development.

This is an opportunity to join at an important stage of growth, with the autonomy to shape development processes, influence project strategy and help build out the team around you.

Your Opportunity

As Head of Development, you will take ownership of utility-scale renewable projects from acquisition through development, RTB and transaction readiness. Working closely with internal leadership and external consultants, you will determine the development strategy, manage key workstreams, identify and mitigate risks, and ensure projects progress against agreed budgets and schedules.

This is a hands-on role for someone who understands how the different elements of renewable development fit together and can make sound commercial decisions without needing significant direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead utility-scale solar and BESS projects through the development lifecycle, from acquisition through RTB/NTP and transaction readiness
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, critical paths and risk mitigation strategies
• Coordinate external engineering, environmental, permitting, land, title, surveying and other technical consultants
• Oversee key development workstreams including environmental diligence, permitting, title and curative, surveys, tax abatements and utility coordination
• Manage relationships with counties, agencies, utilities, landowners and other project stakeholders
• Evaluate development risks and make commercially sound recommendations to protect project value and timelines
• Lead project reporting and prepare projects for buyer, financing and transaction due diligence
• Develop and improve repeatable development processes as the business scales
• Help build and mentor the wider development team

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant professional qualification preferred
• 8+ years of relevant experience across utility-scale renewable energy development, land development, infrastructure or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience taking utility-scale renewable projects through multiple stages of development, ideally through RTB, NTP or transaction
• Strong experience with ERCOT and utility-scale solar development
• Working knowledge of key development disciplines including land/title, environmental, permitting, engineering, surveying and interconnection
• Experience selecting and managing external consultants, including scopes, budgets, schedules and deliverables
• Strong commercial judgement with the ability to assess risk, weigh options and make decisions that protect project economics
• Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership without significant executive oversight
• Experience leading, mentoring or building development teams is highly valued

About Us
Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process
Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment or resources in order to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know.