Manager, Land Acquisition

Company Summary

Recurrent Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. and is one of the world's largest and most geographically diversified utility-scale solar and energy storage project development, ownership, and O&M platforms.  Recurrent Energy is focused on bringing low-cost clean energy and meaningful economic development to communities across the globe.

With a strong track record of originating, developing, financing, and building nearly 9 GWp of solar and 3 GWh of battery storage power plants across six continents, Recurrent Energy has established a leadership position in both solar and battery storage project development. With a total pipeline of 25 GWp in solar and 47 GWh in battery storage, of which 14 GW and 12 GWh respectively already have interconnections (as of January 31, 2023). In addition, Recurrent Energy’s services business has 6 GW of projects under operations and maintenance contracts, either operational or contracted projects.

Position Title:  Manager, Land Acquisition

Department:Development

Reports To:Head of North American Land Acquisition & GIS

Location:                         Hybrid in Austin, TX/Houston, TX/Scottsdale, AZ/Remote

Position Summary

The Manager, Land Acquisition is responsible for identifying, structuring, negotiating and executing real estate transactions with a wide range of property owners and third parties for the development of potential sites for utility-scale, PV power plants in the Central United States. The role requires real estate transactions and development experience with a focus on third party negotiations, comparable market sales analysis, project management, and title/vesting resolution.  The position supports the Land Acquisition and Development teams and reports to the Head of North America Land Acquisition & GIS. This position requires up to 35% travel.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Head of North America Land Acquisition & GIS to develop and execute land acquisition strategy for energy including Solar (PV) and Battery Energy Storage (BESS).
• Identify, conduct outreach (including cold calls & letter campaigns) and establish relationships with list of targeted landowners/developers to secure viable land for project sites and easements
• Negotiate, draft, and review agreements containing favorable business terms for a wide variety of transaction documentation including letters of intent, purchase options, lease options, easements, surface waivers with landowners.
• Perform market analysis in regards to real estate prices and comps.
• Perform high level analysis and review of title, zoning, floodplain, easements, leases, permitting fees, entitlement process, CEQA/NEPA, solar insolation, and other site-specific considerations.
• Advise on any fatal flaws or issues that may prohibit acquisition or development.
• Coordinate with internal departments with regular communication, status updates, managing of project budgets, tracker setup and maintenance, participation in team meetings, and project meetings

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Solutions based
• Detail-oriented problem solver with exceptional organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills relating to significant contact, communication, & interdependence other team members
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong understanding of GIS and tabletop site review/screening
• Knowledge of CoStar/Loopnet is a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented problem solver with exceptional organizational skill