Senior Manager, Development

Join Akaysha Energy, a driving force behind Australia's renewable energy revolution. As a subsidiary of BlackRock's Global Renewable Power Fund, we are at the forefront of developing, financing, and operating transformative energy storage and renewable projects. Harness your passion for the climate and join a leader in the global energy transition.

At Akaysha Energy, we combine cutting-edge energy market modeling and data analytics with project development and financing expertise to rapidly decarbonize energy markets. Be part of our mission and work in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and supportive environment where your ideas matter. Influence critical decisions and shape the future of sustainable energy.

Accelerate your career with us and enjoy above-market performance bonuses, flexible working arrangements and benefit from training and development opportunities. Collaborate with passionate experts in the field, taking on empowering, hands-on roles with real-world impacts. Grow professionally and personally, broadening your experience, knowledge, and skills. 

Make a difference. Join Akaysha Energy today.

Location:
Portland, Oregon US. We're open to a hybrid working style; spend time in the office and at home.  

This role can be located as a remote position in Austin, Texas - with travel as required. 

Reporting to:

Chief Development Officer

The role:

You will contribute to Akaysha Energy US as a member of the team responsible for cradle to grave BESS development and related renewable project opportunities in the United States. The Senior Development Manager is the lead in site identification and acquisition, project development, and approval of the site, OEM and EPC negotiation, and overall coordination of all aspects of the project on behalf of Akaysha and our investment partners.

The successful applicant will combine technical strength with a strong track record of leadership and performance in team-oriented environments.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the application of the highest Workplace Health, Safety, and Environment (WHSE) culture, both personally and in all Akaysha projects and activities in the U.S.
• Drive and lead project development activities, both greenfield and with co-development partners. This includes being the point of contact for day-to-day development activities for current projects and manage the project management of each development activity.
• Take a lead role in the development of greenfield BESS opportunities and sites, initially across CAISO, ERCOT and WECC including:
  • Acquisition of exclusivity and options on land
  • Permitting and statutory approvals including management of consultants for environmental, cultural heritage, and technical studies
  • Landowner, community, and key stakeholder engagement
  • Generation interconnection approvals, including working closely with Akaysha’s Electrical Connection Manager and Engineering teams
• Lead project management and execution plans for the development phase of Projects including comprehensive schedules, risk registers, and supporting key documentation.
• Take a lead role in developing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as developers, Utility Partners and DSOs and TSOs
• Grow and actively line-manage a multi-discipline development team including a project management function and external consultants. This includes regular check ins, performance management, expectation setting and development
• Lead interactions with key EPC partners. This includes building relationships with EPCs to deliver new and innovative solutions and supporting EPC negotiations with the legal and commercial team.
• Work with the Executive and other pillar leads (Commercial) to develop out the strategic plan for Akaysha expansion in the US. This includes commercial setup, resourcing plan, strategy, target segments and key relationships with third party developers, consultants government departments and partners.
• Assist with offtake and capital raising activities as required. This includes supporting relationships with investors, lenders and equity partners. Assist off-takers and investors with project due diligence, documentation preparation, and presentations as required.
• Provide innovative solution development to new business opportunities in the energy sector in line with the Akaysha Business Plan. This includes assisting engineering with the creation of a competitive landscape of options for BESS OEMs relevant to the North American market
• Contribute to development and improvement of Akaysha project management tools, policies, and procedures. Any other activities reasonably expected of this role and as required by the business

What you'll bring:

• 7+ Years experience in relevant position
• Degree from a top US university in a relevant subject (Engineering, Environmental, or Project Management)
• Ability to collect, analyse, and interpret complex information
• Strong interpersonal skills and a great team player
• Self-starter, hunger to learn, ability to deal with ambiguity and able to adapt and thrive in a startup culture
• Strong performance in team-oriented environments
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with both technical and non-technical parties