Project Development Manager

Project Development Manager

Cordia is a trusted provider on on-site, distributed and district energy systems, offering integrated solutions across the full energy lifecycle, from planning and financing to construction, ownership, and long-term operations. With district energy and microgrid facilities throughout numerous metropolitan areas in the United States, Cordia offers a wide variety of sustainable energy solutions to meet our customers' specific needs.

Cordia is seeking a Project Development Manager. This role requires a proven track record of managing the development of complex energy infrastructure transactions. The Project Development Manager will be responsible for originating, structuring, developing, and closing long term contracts for district energy and on-site energy solutions for new clients. Reporting to the Director of Development, this role owns relationships with external stakeholders, navigate complex procurement processes, and work closely with internal teams including engineering, operations, and finance to deliver tailored energy solutions that meet customer goals. The ideal candidate will bring strong energy project leadership experience across environmental permitting, electric interconnection, engineering, and community engagement, along with commercial acumen and a passion for driving impactful energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• This role has focus on developing solutions, commercial structuring and securing long-term agreements with new customers. These activities include:
• Advance customer opportunities, with an initial emphasis on customers in sectors such as higher education, healthcare, real estate, industrial, and related industries.
• Engage directly with potential customers to evaluate energy goals and structure transactions aligned with their operational, financial, and sustainability priorities in mind.
• Develop and structure energy solutions that meet the Cordia risk and return criteria
• Lead negotiations for PPAs, ESAs, and other complex contracts, ensuring terms meet client expectations while delivering company growth targets.
• Communicate with decision makers and other potential customer representatives to develop positive relationships to secure the sale of the company's offerings;
• Manage and coordinate all necessary activities during the development process including environmental permitting and regulatory matters, interconnection processes and electric utility coordination, engineering, and community and stakeholder engagement;
• Plan, direct and monitor all aspects of project development involving a wide variety of technologies and involving multi-disciplined project staff;
• Manage and/or participate in the production and coordination of several projects concurrently.
• Work closely with the Cordia's engineering, operations, and Finance personnel to develop project scopes, costs, savings, schedule, and financial expectations including leading a presentation to the Cordia's investment committee prior to the submittal of a project proposal;
• Represent Cordia at key client meetings, industry events, and conferences to expand visibility and strengthen brand presence.
• Travel as needed to meet with customers and support broader business objectives.

Working Conditions

• This position is a hybrid of office-based work or fully remote.
• Candidates must maintain residence in one of the following states: CA, NV, OR, WA.

Required Qualifications

Education :

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Economics, or related field; MBA preferred.

Experience :

• 5+ years of experience in project development, or business development within district energy, distributed generation, power generation, oil & gas, or other energy infrastructure.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-million-dollar energy or infrastructure transactions with ability to navigate complex organizational structures and procurement processes.
• Familiarity with outcome-based, consultative selling practices and solutions in healthcare, higher education, or industrial markets.
• Experience with district energy, central utility systems, or on-site power generation is a plus.

Skills :

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project scheduling tools
• Experience with CRMs, SalesForce experience is preferred.
• Experience with financial and economic modeling of energy projects.
• Experience developing energy infrastructure projects.
• Working knowledge of U.S. electricity markets and utility rate structures
• Proven ability to negotiate and close complex agreements (ESAs, PPAs, LOI, MOUs)

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every preferred qualification.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The anticipated base salary range for this position is $125,000-$165,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• This role is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus. Cordia also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement match, paid time off, and paid holidays.
• This position offers a hybrid work schedule with flexible work schedules for onsite and remote work.