Sr. Project Developer - Energy

Southland Industries Inc. is seeking a Sr. Project Developer - Energy in Columbia, SC. This role involves leading project development phases, ensuring alignment with client expectations, managing project finance activities, and overseeing cross-functional teams. Candidates should have extensive experience in energy performance contracts and strong business acumen. The position requires excellent communication skills and involves 50% travel.
As the Sr. Project Developer, you will work closely with the project's Business Development Manager(s) and/or Account Executive(s) to win new work. You will lead the entire post-selection and pre-construction phase of large projects. As the Solutions Executive, you will provide leadership to the assigned project teams from the initial project development through the start of construction for project opportunities within the line of business.

What you’ll do:
• Gain a deep understanding of client expectations and the value proposition that was sold by Business Development. Ensure that the final deliverables from the development phase are aligned with sales strategy and that the project is both executable by Operations with acceptable margin vs risk.
• Lead, coach and develop successful cross-functional Project Development teams that develop detailed scope, schedule, cost and savings estimates.
• Review/approve all technical elements of ECM selection and development to ensure consistency with project goals and acceptable levels of commercial risk.
• Act as the primary business contact for customers throughout the project development process and strive to build a positive working relationship.
• Guide selection of subcontractors in accordance with client preferences and Southland standards.
• Lead project finance activities, including selection of financing partners, identification of funding and financing options, and creation of final client cash flows.
• Lead the creation, scope definition, and pricing of ongoing O&M strategy to support client and ensure a sustainable project outcome for the long-term.
• Create, or oversee creation of, detailed Risk Assessment and Risk Review for Management approval prior to final submittal.
• Perform customer negotiations for contractual terms and agreements.
• Ensure project is properly turned over to Operations team.

What you’ll need to be successful:
• Experience in conducting and directing infrastructure and energy audits conforming with the requirements of one or more of the described Federal contract vehicles to include equipment and infrastructure condition assessments, baseline and measurement plans.
• Excellent business acumen and understanding of risk assessment, margin determination, cash flow and other financial analyses.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written, with the ability to clearly and concisely present and explain technical and economic information internally and externally to customers.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and work with multi-functional teams including sales, customers, equipment vendors, multi-discipline engineers, utilities, and Federal agency representatives.
• Demonstrated skills in priority organization, technical writing, and detail-oriented approach, with ability to produce results in a fast-paced business environment.
• Preferably have an MBA or MS degree (not required).
• Travel 50% of the time.

What you bring to the table:
• Have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in developing, managing and implementing complex Energy related performance contracts (ESPC / UESC) or related energy design build and/or utility privatization projects.
• Have a minimum of 3 years of demonstrated successful team/people management experience with the ability to form, lead, coach and develop successful cross-functional Project Development teams.
• Have a minimum of 7 years of Energy Industry knowledge specific to developing energy conservation or management projects such as Cogeneration, Demand Side Management, Renewable energy technologies, Supply Side Management and HVAC energy reduction projects.
• Have a Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in a related field (Engineering, Construction Management, etc.).

Benefits:

As an employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent benefits for you and your family:
• 401(k) Plan with 50% Company Match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Annual incentive program based upon performance, profitability, and achievement
• Term Life, AD&D Insurance, and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Disability Income Protection Insurance
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans (Health and Dependent Care)
• Holidays/Vacation/…