Development Manager

AES Clean Energy is seeking a Development Manager to lead project development within the Central Wind Development region. This role owns end-to-end development of wind projects across MISO, SPP, and ERCOT service areas, from early-stage prospecting through notice to proceed (NTP). The Development Manager drives project strategy, leads cross-functional execution, and serves as the primary owner of project outcomes across internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of wind project development from site identification through NTP, including land acquisition, permitting, interconnection, engineering, and pre-construction.
• Own project development schedules and budgets, ensuring milestones and cost targets are met.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and decision-maker for internal cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, including landowners, local officials, regulators, and consultants.
• Drive permitting strategy and manage discretionary permitting processes, including engagement with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and representation at public hearings.
• Lead coordination with SME teams across real estate, external affairs, legal, finance, engineering, interconnection, and construction management.
• Oversee site and environmental studies, surveys, and due diligence reporting.
• Manage contractor and consultant selection processes in partnership with construction management.
• Lead project handoffs to the execution team upon full development and permitting completion.
• Provide guidance and review on project finance diligence requests.
• Evaluate potential project acquisitions and provide development risk assessments.
• Manage project budget expenditures and additional resource needs throughout the development lifecycle.
• Contribute to Business Development pipeline reporting and strategic planning.

Skills and Qualifications

• 6 to 10 years of project development experience in renewable energy, with demonstrated experience managing wind projects at scale.
• Undergraduate degree required; fields such as renewable energy, engineering, urban planning, finance, business, or project management preferred. Advanced degree a plus.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Deep knowledge of wind project development, including interconnection processes, permitting frameworks, contracting, and utility coordination across MISO, SPP, and/or ERCOT.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership and development cost management.
• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentations, public speaking, and stakeholder negotiation.
• Ability to influence without direct authority across all organizational levels.
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity and making decisions with incomplete information.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, with flexibility for project-driven increases.
• Experience with CRM systems and development pipeline reporting tools.

Why AES Clean Energy

AES Clean Energy is one of the largest and fastest-growing renewable energy developers in the United States. We develop, own, and operate a diverse portfolio of wind, solar, and energy storage projects. Our people are central to delivering on our clean energy mission.