Director of Development, Eastern US for Utility Scale Solar and Battery Storage Systems

Trina Solar International System Business Unit (ISBU) is the project development and investment business unit of Trina Solar, a global leader of smart energy solutions provider. Our team has established a track record of 10.5+ GW of grid-connected projects globally.

Trina Solar US Project Development & Investment team is looking for a highly accomplished renewable energy professional to join our growing team as Director of Development, Eastern US for Utility Scale Solar and Battery Storage Systems. Reporting to the CEO of Trina…, the Director will lead the origination and development of new projects in the Eastern region of North America and work with cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects.

Main Responsibilities:

• Implement the project development strategy for the Eastern region of US Platform to support the growth objectives of the organization, aligned with Trina’s investment strategy and goals. Conduct market and regulatory research to inform development strategy. Keep fully informed of market development and industry events in order to quickly identify business opportunities.
• Plan and execute all project origination in the Eastern Region including greenfield, partnerships and acquisition opportunities from identification of opportunity through due diligence and execution of definitive agreements. Identify local early-stage developers that will co-develop with Trina and lead deal structuring and commercial negotiations for project acquisition or other partnership structures such as development services agreement or joint development agreement
• Clearly articulate the business case for new opportunities, providing a solid understanding of overall risks, benefits and returns, in order to gain support for the investments in solar/storage projects. Prepare presentations to senior management and/or the Investment Committee as needed to achieve investment approval.
• Lead all project development activities by coordinating with multi-disciplinary team of internal Trina resources and external consultants (e.g., legal, engineering, finance) to bring projects to Ready for Construction status, which achieve objectives of approved Investment Memo, including site control/real estate, resource assessment, design optimization, interconnection process, permitting, regulatory/community outreach and economic analysis.
• Maintain strong networks with energy industry representatives and key stakeholders in the region to prospect for and originate project opportunities
• Coordinate with financial analysis teams to ensure that the deal structure, economic and tax assumptions are properly analyzed. Ensure that all commercial conditions are in place to meet underwriting assumptions and support Structure Finance team to secure financing of the project.
• In coordination with the Power Marketing team, lead commercial power off-take activities in Eastern region to identify off-take counterparts and secure long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for development assets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Legal, Science or related field
• Minimum 8+ years professional experience in the energy industry in senior roles within business development and/or project development functions.
• Strong commercial background and mindset; ability to conceptualize returns with extensive experience in project development and a demonstrated record of identifying and originating business opportunities and ability to determine their key value drivers and alignment with business objectives.
• Strong negotiation skills. Ability to present points of view in an effective way, representing well the interests and position of the organization and gain support for ideas.
• Strong team approach. Ability to effectively execute within matrix organization to ensure sound management of project development activities from the identification process to the integration of new assets in the organization.
• Solid knowledge of the renewable power sector, its key stakeholders and regulatory environment. Experience developing and originating new business opportunities for utility scale power and infrastructure projects in the Eastern U.S with knowledge regional power markets (e.g., PJM, MISO, SERC, ISONE NYISO)
• Well established network of contacts with industry stakeholders, on the ground developers, off-takers, government representatives and financial stakeholders in the renewable energy industry.
• Experience taking renewable energy projects from conception to completion, with impressive track record in originating and developing bankable renewable energy projects.
• Understanding of financial modeling (DCF).

Skills and Competence:

• Passionate about the solar and renewables industry
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit with can-do attitude and drive to overcome challenges and succeed
• Strong analytical skills, capable of identifying key risks and creating win-win for all parties
• Flexible attitude, with the ability to effectively manage unexpected changes
• Excellent team player, prioritizing the fulfillment of team objectives
• Superior communication skills, capable of effectively managing interactions at all levels
• Self-starter, results-driven, detail-oriented, strong work ethic, striving for excellence

Benefits

Trina Solar Development US – ISBU offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. Our people are the driving force behind our work. Together, we advance industry and drive innovation.

Trina Solar Development’s benefits include: 16 PTO days and 12 holidays. Fully paid PPO health insurance for our employees, dental, vision, FSA, life insurance, short term and long-term company paid disability, competitive 401(k) with company match.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Trina Solar Development US – ISBU (The Company) policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information including genetic information, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran status, marital status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.