VP of Development in Utility-Scale Solar PV

Vice President, Development – Utility-Scale Solar
Location: Washington, DC (Onsite or Hybrid)

A growing renewable energy business is seeking an experienced Vice President of Development to lead utility-scale solar project development across the PJM region. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving development strategy, managing a team of project developers, and advancing a large and complex pipeline from site acquisition through notice to proceed.

The successful candidate will bring deep development experience, strong leadership capability, and the ability to manage regulatory, commercial, and stakeholder challenges across multiple markets. This role is based in Washington, DC and requires regular office presence.

Role Overview The Vice President of Development will oversee the full lifecycle of utility-scale solar projects, with responsibility for strategy, execution, team leadership, permitting, stakeholder engagement, and pipeline delivery. This person will work cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure projects move efficiently from origination through NTP.

This is a highly visible role suited to an experienced renewable energy development leader who can balance long-term strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities

Development Strategy and Execution

• Lead development strategy for utility-scale solar projects across the PJM region.
• Oversee the progression of projects from site acquisition through NTP.
• Ensure development activities remain aligned with commercial targets, timelines, and project readiness requirements.

Team Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of project developers.
• Set performance objectives and help standardise development processes.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to ensure consistent delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the senior point of contact with local and state officials, permitting agencies, landowners, and community groups.
• Build strong relationships that support project advancement and help reduce project risk.
• Represent the business in public meetings and other stakeholder forums where required.

Permitting and Regulatory Oversight

• Lead county and state permitting strategy and execution.
• Support public presentations, hearings, and expert testimony as needed.
• Ensure projects are advanced in compliance with applicable zoning and permitting requirements.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Legal, Interconnection, GIS, Real Estate, Environmental, EPC, External Affairs, and Finance teams.
• Ensure seamless coordination between development and other business functions.
• Support efficient handoff of projects into later-stage delivery.

Risk and Reporting

• Identify and manage project risks proactively.
• Track timelines, budgets, and key milestones.
• Provide regular updates and reports to executive leadership.

Acquisitions and Pipeline Growth

• Support M&A activity, including project and asset due diligence.
• Assist with integrating acquired assets into the development pipeline.
• Contribute to the expansion of the broader project portfolio.

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience in renewable energy development, with a strong focus on utility-scale solar.
• Proven track record of taking projects from origination through NTP.
• Experience working in PJM or similar regulatory environments preferred.
• Prior leadership or senior management experience in development.
• Strong knowledge of county zoning, permitting strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Commercial and financial awareness, including development budgets and capital planning.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business, policy, environmental studies, or related field preferred.

What’s on Offer

• Bonus structure and equity incentives.
• A senior leadership role with direct impact on U.S. growth.
• Exposure to a significant utility-scale solar pipeline.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a development team.
• Collaborative cross-functional environment.
• Strong long-term career potential.