Green Hydrogen Project Development Manager

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This position will lead U.S. project development and execution efforts for AES Clean Energy’s green hydrogen efforts in the Central region of the United States. AES is building a new business line which will leverage our large and growing pipeline of wind and solar projects to develop, own, and operate electrolytic hydrogen production facilities to accelerate the decarbonization goals of our customers. The successful candidate will lead and manage all project development efforts for the hydrogen production components of these projects, working in close coordination with our wind and solar developers to build viable green hydrogen projects. Key activities include identifying optimal locations for green hydrogen production, land acquisition, project permitting, coordinating site studies and diligence, managing the interconnection process, handling project development budgets, and ensuring projects successfully reach construction commencement.

This position is remote, but the candidate must live within the United States. The preferred work location is Houston, Texas. You will work from home most of the time. Travel is expected about 15% annually to project sites or AES company offices in Houston, TX, Louisville, CO, Salt Lake City, UT or Arlington, VA.

This position will reside within AES Clean Energy’s project development group and will work in close collaboration with AES Clean Energy’s new products team. The role is based in AES Clean Energy’s Houston, TX office but alternate locations (Louisville, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; Arlington, VA; or virtual) can be considered. The role requires the ability to manage multiple project portfolios, attention to detail and travel as needed. The successful candidate will work on a cross functional team with new product development, origination, commercial, legal, finance, engineering, construction, and outside consultants, landowners, customers, project stakeholders and utility companies. The role requires project management knowledge and expertise with wind, solar, and storage technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage contract obligations in key project documents.
• Lead project meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Handoff projects once fully developed and permitted to the construction management team.
• Lead and manage all aspects of project development from origination through to construction commencement.
• Work with internal construction management team on contractor selection process.
• Participate in project financings answering relevant diligence questions and providing required documents.
• Develop and manage project development schedules and budgets.
• Eventually lead a growing team of project developers(s).
• Coordinate with construction management team on securing ministerial permits.
• Lead Project Discretionary Permitting including permit strategy, tracking permit efforts, working with local AHJs, presenting at permit hearings.
• Apply critical thinking needed to communicate and influence employees at all levels regarding project risks, opportunities, and recommended action.
• Coordinate for delivery of site and environmental studies, surveys and diligence reports.
• Provide support and analysis for Business Development pipeline reporting.
• Work with internal and external Engineering teams as they progress engineering and design.
• Coordinate additional resources or outside consultants/contractors as well as managing and meeting expenses throughout project development.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required including public speaking and/or platform skills for executive management presentations.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel 10-20% on average but more as required by projects.
• Strong intellectual curiosity and capacity to learn quickly about a new, high growth sector.
• Self-starter, very self-reliant and capable of operating with minimum supervision.
• Extensive knowledge of renewable energy and energy storage technologies.
• Extensive knowledge of thermal and / or renewable energy project development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, contracting.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems and developing metrics.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Undergraduate degree, preferably in engineering, project/construction management or equivalent.
• At least 2-5 years of project development experience in thermal power, wind, solar or related field. Familiarity with green hydrogen / electrolysis facilities and multiple U.S. power markets (ERCOT, SPP, WECC, CAISO, NYISO, PJM, etc) are a strong plus.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.Safety comes first at AES. To protect the health and safety of our people, customers, communities and partners, and to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, AES requires all newly-hired people or current AES people applying for U.S.-based role(s), to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire. Except where prohibited by law or not specifically covered in a collective bargaining agreement, new hires and transfers will be required to provide proof of vaccination during onboarding and periodically thereafter. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable.