Director, Development (Project Execution)

<p><strong>Director, Development (Project Execution)&nbsp;</strong></p> <h1><strong>Company</strong></h1> <p>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.</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <h1><strong>Role&nbsp;</strong></h1> <p>Orenda’s Project Execution division 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. <strong><span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="1">We are seeking an experienced and strategic</span><span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="2"> Director of Development</span><span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="3"> to lead this newly formed department that</span> <span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="5">takes command of projects after they have been successfully validated by our Origination division.</span></strong> In this position, you will take ownership of our projects once site control and an interconnection agreement are secured, initial diligence is complete, and leadership has approved the project for full execution. Your mission is to guide these projects through the entire first phase of project execution, encompassing detailed site design and permitting, to deliver an asset that is shovel ready. Reporting directly to the <span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="7">Chief Project Officer</span>, you will lead a dedicated team, including Project Managers, a <span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="9">Permitting Lead, </span>and a <span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="11">Principal Engineer</span>, to successfully navigate the complex design and regulatory landscape. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional with 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 department.</p> <h1><strong>What you’ll do</strong></h1> <ul> <li><strong>Strategic Management of a Portfolio of BESS Projects:</strong> 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&nbsp;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.</li> <li><strong>Engineering &amp; Design:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Permitting Strategy:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Budget and Schedule Accountability:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Process and Program Improvement:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Risk Mitigation &amp; Problem Solving:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Orchestrate Construction Handover:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Executive Reporting:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Team Leadership &amp; Development:</strong> 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.</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Requirements</strong></h1> <ul> <li><strong>Education:</strong> Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field.</li> <li><strong>Experience:</strong> A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in a technical project development field such as architecture, engineering, or infrastructure/real estate development.</li> <li><strong>Leadership:</strong> At least 5 years of experience in a direct leadership role, with a proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.</li> <li><strong>Project Execution:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Strategic Communication:</strong> Proven ability to operate at a strategic level and communicate effectively with C-suite executives, and external stakeholders.</li> <li><strong>Financial Acumen:</strong> Strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-million dollar development budgets.</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Direct experience in the renewable energy, power generation, or electrical infrastructure sectors is highly desirable.</li> <li>Experience managing development projects within New York City or a similarly dense and complex urban regulatory environment.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1><strong>Skills and Attributes:</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-million dollar development budgets.</li> <li>Extremely organized, process-oriented, and capable of leading multiple complex projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.</li> <li>Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.</li> <li>A deep passion for clean energy and the company's mission.</li> <li>A relentlessly positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a sense of humor.</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Work Environment</strong></h1> <p>This is a full-time, in-office position requiring work from our headquarters (Brooklyn, NY) five days a week.</p> <h1><strong>Compensation</strong></h1> <p>Orenda Inc. offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent.</p> <p><strong>Base Salary:</strong> The anticipated base salary range for this full-time position in New York City is $185,000 - $250,000 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.</p> <p><strong>Bonus:</strong> In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible for a significant annual performance-based bonus.</p> <p><strong>Benefits:</strong> Our comprehensive benefits package includes:</p> <ul> <li>Health, dental, and vision insurance</li> <li>401(k) plan</li> <li>LifeTime Fitness corporate membership</li> <li>Monthly commuter stipend</li> <li>Learning and education stipend</li> <li>Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy</li> </ul> <p>Orenda Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.</p>