Director of Development and Strategy - BESS

Director / Senior Director, Energy Storage Development & StrategyCompany: PE-Backed Renewable Energy Independent Power ProducerJob Titles: Director, Energy Storage Development | Senior Director, Energy Storage | Head of Storage Strategy | Director, BESS DevelopmentCompensation: Base + Bonus + EquityLocation: Remote / U.S.; travel requiredThe CompanyOur client is a private equity-backed renewable energy independent power producer developing and owning utility-scale clean energy projects across the United States.The business has an established utility-scale solar development platform, a substantial interconnection pipeline, and institutional capital available to support both greenfield development and acquisitions.Energy storage is expected to become a meaningful part of the company's future portfolio, and leadership is looking for an experienced storage professional to define where and how the organization should compete.The RoleThe company is seeking a Director or Senior Director of Energy Storage Development & Strategy to build and lead its standalone storage development effort.This is not a traditional solar development position with storage added to the title.The successful candidate will understand that standalone BESS development requires a fundamentally different approach to market selection, commercial strategy, utility engagement, interconnection, site origination, and revenue underwriting.The mandate is to establish a clear investment and development thesis for storage: determine the markets in which the company should participate, identify the right points of interconnection and commercial opportunities, originate projects, and move the most attractive opportunities toward investment and execution.The individual will initially operate as a highly hands-on leader, supported by existing development, interconnection, finance, and M&A resources.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and own the company's utility-scale energy storage development strategyDetermine priority markets based on congestion, capacity needs, ancillary services, utility procurement activity, interconnection dynamics, and evolving market structuresOriginate standalone battery storage projects from concept through advanced developmentBuild a repeatable framework for identifying attractive POIs, substations, utility territories, and commercial opportunitiesLead early-stage commercial strategy rather than relying on land availability as the primary driver of project originationDevelop relationships with utilities, load-serving entities, commercial counterparties, consultants, and other market participantsEvaluate potential revenue structures including tolling arrangements, capacity contracts, utility procurements, and merchant or partially contracted strategiesWork closely with the interconnection team to evaluate queue position, deliverability, upgrade exposure, and project viabilityPartner with finance and investment teams to develop project economics and support investment decisionsEvaluate acquisition opportunities involving standalone storage or broader renewable portfoliosLead diligence on storage development opportunities presented through the company's M&A pipelineEstablish development processes, market-screening criteria, and portfolio priorities as the storage platform scalesProvide leadership with a clear point of view on where storage markets are heading and where the company should deploy capitalOver time, help build and potentially lead a broader storage development organizationCandidate ProfileThe strongest candidates will bring:Direct experience developing utility-scale standalone battery energy storage projectsA demonstrated understanding of how storage development differs from traditional solar or wind developmentDeep knowledge of power markets, storage economics, interconnection, and commercial structuresExperience originating projects based on market fundamentals and commercial opportunity, not simply site controlStrong utility, ISO/RTO, developer, consultant, or commercial counterparty relationshipsExperience taking BESS projects from market thesis and origination through advanced developmentFamiliarity with major organized U.S. power markets; experience across multiple ISOs/RTOs is particularly valuableAbility to independently form and defend a market thesis using both quantitative and qualitative analysisExperience evaluating storage acquisitions or conducting development diligence is a plusStrong commercial instincts paired with practical development execution capabilitiesComfort operating in an entrepreneurial environment without a large dedicated team from day oneThis position offers the opportunity to build a storage platform rather than inherit one. For the right candidate, the role also provides a path toward broader development leadership as the company's operating portfolio and development organization expand.