Project Development Manager

Open until filled - Candidates are encouraged to apply early as this posting may close at any time without notice on or after March 09, 2026. SMUD is a leader in clean energy and carbon reduction. This is an exciting time to join SMUD as member of the Project Development Team in our Power Generation Department helping reach our ambitious goal of zero carbon emissions in our power supply by 2030 - the most ambitious goal of any large utility in the United States. Power Generation is seeking a strong, experienced Project Development Manager to manage the real estate, permitting, design, installation, integration, interconnection, contracting for services, contract management, construction and commissioning of utility scale and utility interconnected renewable energy projects including solar, combined solar and energy storage, storage and wind projects at distribution and transmission interconnection voltages. In this role, you will manage fast-paced projects, planning, procuring, installing, integrating and interconnection for utility scale renewable energy projects. The ideal candidate will have experience managing and development of utility scale renewable energy projects including management of matrixed teams of subject matter experts and consultants in real estate, community strategy, permitting at the federal, state and local level, utility interconnection, and management of EPC contracts, and procurement contracts for electrical power projects. Experience in siting of utility scale renewable energy is highly desired. This position requires a high degree of coordination with both internal and external parties to SMUD. Purpose To implement programs for the development of new power generation, storage and transmission resources by directing and controlling the design, permitting, licensing, and engineering to meet SMUD’s requirements. Nature and Scope Directs the development, implementation and managing of department goals, objectives, policies and priorities in partnership with the department leadership; may select, train, motivate, evaluate and develop subordinate personnel and ensures that department strategic objectives and priorities are achieved and coordinated with other departments. Duties and Responsibilities Directs an in-house matrix organization and of internal and external stakeholders outside consultants and contractors in meeting SMUD power load requirements by planning, organizing, overseeing and implementing the design, licensing, permitting and engineering aspects of new power generation and transmission resources projects including project work plans, budgets, and schedules. Overseeing projects by identifying project objectives; identifying internal/external project team; developing Request for Proposals; negotiating contract terms; developing project plans including schedule, cost, key work products and milestones; monitoring project progress and completion against plan/contract; revising schedules, scope, expenditures and assignments; reviewing work products; resolving conflicts and discrepancies; maintaining project records and files; participating in the overall review of the completed project results; and making recommendations for next steps. Manages the project design/engineering process by directing and overseeing contractor/consultant/project team work activities including power plant configurations, engineering design studies, site constraints, transmission routing, power plant cost analysis, operation and maintenance programs, and other technical issues; resolves design and administrative issues; provides construction management advice and inspections. Represents SMUD and/or acts as SMUDs liaison in a variety of settings including: public meetings and hearings; operating committees and work groups with other utilities, government agencies, industrial task forces, and other community organizations; developers, architects, engineers, host utilities, regulatory agencies (in conjunction with licensing management) and the public on project engineering related issues. Performs related duties as required. Required Education Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university majoring in Engineering, Science or other relevant discipline or equivalent experience related to project development. If no degree, fourteen (14) years of relevant work experience is required. Required Experience Qualifications Ten (10+) or more years of progressively responsible relevant work experience, including management of the development of and/or design and/or operation of generation, storage, transmission and distribution systems, and licensing and/or permitting projects through Federal, State and local jurisdictional authorities e.g. CEC, FERC, CAISO, USFWS, CADFW, FAA etc. Required Licenses/Certificates Must possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License CDL and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years) Knowledge Of Principles, procedures and practices of project development, design and construction Principles, procedures and practices related to evaluation and decision making, contract laws and negotiation Principles, procedures and practices related to surveying and computer applications Principles, procedures and practices related to construction completion, turnovers, start-up and electric system operations including distribution, substations and generation SMUD policies, procedures, applicable MOUs and other special agreements; methods and techniques for planning, organizing, directing and controlling work activities; policies and procedures for evaluating and recording performance results Policies and standards for interacting with local, state and national authorities and agencies; techniques for exercising significant leadership and authority; performance management techniques related to Project Management; principles and practices for contract management Procedures and practices for cost control and project scheduling; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; procedures and practices for overseeing contractors/consultants work activities procedures and practices for project budget management; project management software systems Techniques and practices related to negotiations and compromise Safety policies, practices and procedures Standard operating procedures, modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; and, English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards Skills To Monitor and manage projects, develop and maintain project budget and schedule Evaluate and resolve complex technical or management issues Negotiate with internal and external management on projects Coordinate the work of the function or unit with other SMUD entities Interpret and apply SMUD policies procedures, applicable MOU and/or other special agreements Compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies Regulations, procedures and/or activities internally/externally Reconcile significant and/or controversial differences to bring interested parties to consensus; plan, organize, prioritize and schedule projects Analyze complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; analyze situations, documents and data for conformance to establish policy and procedures Apply applicable laws, codes and regulations Appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action Identify the key elements that must be modified to achieve a goal Interpret, analyze and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements Interpret, clarify, understand and analyze verbal/written information and ideas Research, analyze and provide recommendations to achieve department objectives Utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job Communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally Establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally Desirable Qualifications Demonstrated experience managing the development of utility scale renewable energy projects at the distribution and transmission voltage level Demonstrated experience developing strategies to work with and working with federal, state and local regulators to obtain permits for utility scale renewable energy projects Demonstrated experience applying for interconnection to a utility at the distribution and transmission level and negotiating interconnection agreement Experience with power purchase agreements Development and administration of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts for utility scale renewable energy projects Developing scope of work for contracts and for task orders, administering and managing external contractors in support of utility scale renewable energy projects Managing a design review process where contractor submittals are evaluated for compliance with project technical requirements Coordination with all the entities (real estate, permitting, interconnection, cyber security, telecom, metering, startup and commissioning, etc.) required to deliver a complete and fully functional project Physical Requirements Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are: As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. California Equal Pay Act: Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation and will be based upon the candidate's qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence. Why Sacramento, California?: The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49ers aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few. Hybrid Work: This position may be eligible for SMUD's hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to hybrid work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis. CalPERS: SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position. #J-18808-Ljbffr SMUD