Manager of Project Development, Central

Aypa Power, a Blackstone portfolio company, is a leading developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale energy storage and hybrid renewable projects that power our communities and cities. Our mission is to responsibly decarbonize the grid and make North American energy markets more affordable, sustainable, and efficient. Aypa is well-capitalized and uniquely positioned to lean forward on projects with well-suited deal structures to meet our customers’ needs. We have been at the forefront of energy storage development since our first energy storage project came online in 2018. As a leader in our industry, we have over 22 GW of utility-scale energy storage and hybrid renewable energy projects in development and 33 projects in operation or construction across North America. 

We are seeking a Manager of Project Development to develop stand-alone utility-scale energy storage from market assessment to site development and through financial close, throughout Aypa’s Central region which includes MISO, SPP, ERCOT, and SERC. This is a high-visibility role in a fast-paced industry with a broad scope The successful candidate will be immediately assigned to a portfolio of projects to manage, while also contributing to regional expansion. 

Responsibilities:  

• Stakeholder & Community Engagement: serve as the company’s field representative to landowners, local officials, and community members – conduct outreach and maintain positive relationships to drive commercially successful project outcomes;
• Market Research & Prospecting: provide analysis and input on market opportunities as well as Areas of Interest (“AOI”) within markets that have been identified by and with the Commercial team; evaluate project viability within AOIs using GIS tools and other research (“fatal flaw” analyses) to target the best options for further pursuit;
• Land Acquisition: plan, pursue, and negotiate land contracts (e.g. Option to Purchase or Lease) with landowners;
• Site Diligence: Coordinate enviro studies (e.g. ESA Phase 1, Critical Issues Analysis, Permit Matrix, Wetland Delineation, etc.) Coordinate Survey, Title, and curative work. Interpret and communicate design constraints;
• Permitting: navigate federal, state, and especially local permitting to obtain key discretionary and administrative approvals for projects;
• Project Management: Coordinate cross-functional teams -- e.g. legal, transmission, development engineering, pre-construction, offtake (PPA) origination, public affairs, finance, etc. -- and external consultants to keep project development and commercialization on schedule. Track and communicate project status and risks/mitigation. Prepare budgets, schedules, and reporting;
• Other duties as required or assigned. 

Key Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or industry equivalent (e.g. Business, Finance, Economics, Real Estate, Engineering); Graduate degree is a plus;
• 1 to 4 years of experience relevant to utility-scale energy; applicable internships will be considered;
• High initiative and desire to thrive in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment, including a creative and proactive work ethic. As part of a lean and dynamic team, the candidate must be able to plan, oversee, and personally execute numerous projects simultaneously, work well under pressure, and adjust to changing priorities;
• Candidates should be willing to travel regularly to project sites and meetings (~50%).

Compensation and Location: 

Salary: A base salary commensurate with experience;
Bonus: An annual bonus will be awarded based on individual performance and the overall success of the business;
Benefits: Aypa offers an attractive benefits package with excellent health care/dental/vision, 401k matching, unlimited vacation, paid parental leave, and other health/wellness benefits;
Location: Hybrid (USA). Ability to work in the United States is a requirement. Preference is given to candidates located in Austin, TX, or willing to relocate. Remote will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Travel: 50%

At Aypa, we nurture and support a highly diverse team and actively seek to advance fair and inclusive practices in all aspects of what we do. We hire passionate, dedicated, and forward-thinking individuals from different backgrounds and value unique perspectives and experiences. With a focus on belonging, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all. 

Please note: We kindly request that recruiting companies and agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this job posting. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting our hiring process. Thank you.