Development Manager-Renewables

Development Manager – Renewables

The Development Manager – Renewables will be the responsible lead for the delivery of renewable natural gas (RNG) plants from initial concept through development, construction, commissioning, and final operational handover. This role requires a seasoned professional with deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of delivering complex, high-value energy infrastructure projects.

The Development Manager will work with a portfolio that will include GFL self-developed projects as well as co-developed projects through joint venture contracts. The role will require working closely with joint venture partners, third-party operators, and internal feedstock suppliers to ensure end-to-end success of each RNG plant commissioning.

This role reports to the VP, Renewables – Infrastructure and Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Project Management
  Own the entire project lifecycle for multiple RNG plant projects simultaneously, with individual design capacities ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm).

• Project Governance
  Implement and rigorously manage a structured stage-gate process, ensuring all projects meet strict technical, financial, regulatory, and environmental hurdles before advancing to the next phase.

• Design & Development

  • Oversee and/or direct engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities.

  • Lead detailed design reviews, equipment specification, and vendor selection.

• Financial & Proforma Leadership

  • Collaborate with the Financial Team to develop and review detailed project proformas and financial models.

  • Utilize project-level data (CAPEX, OPEX, schedules) to help develop accurate proformas that ensure project viability and maximize return on investment (ROI).

  • Manage project budgets, forecasts, and schedules, proactively identifying and mitigating financial risks.

• Stakeholder Management
  Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams (Development, Finance, Operations), external partners, regulatory agencies, engineering firms, and contractors.

• Risk Mitigation
  Identify potential project risks (technical, commercial, regulatory) and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.

• Commissioning & Handover
  Directly manage the full commissioning process for new RNG facilities, ensuring performance guarantees are met and all systems are fully functional.

• Operational Transition
  Successfully execute the formal handover of commissioned, operating plants to the dedicated Operations team, including comprehensive training, documentation, and close-out procedures.

• Renewable Energy Expertise
  Apply in-depth knowledge of renewable energy project delivery, specifically involving gas processing, pipeline interconnection, and associated regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience
  A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience managing large-scale, complex industrial or energy infrastructure projects.

• Education
  Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical), Construction Management, or a closely related technical field.

• Project Delivery Track Record

  • Demonstrated experience with the successful delivery of large infrastructure or renewable energy projects (e.g., biogas, RNG, solar, wind).

  • Direct experience and demonstrated ability to build a project from concept to commissioning.

  • Specific, verifiable experience in commissioning and final hand-off of operating plants to an operations team.

• Technical Knowledge
  Proven knowledge of gas processing technologies, gas cleanup systems, compression, and interconnection standards.

Skills and Leadership Competencies

• Exceptional problem-solving and adaptability, with the ability to manage complex technical issues where project parameters may shift due to site or feedstock conditions.

• Proven contract negotiation skills for EPC agreements, major equipment purchases, and external professional services.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to executive leadership and technical information to field teams.

• Ability to mentor and lead multi-disciplinary teams (including internal engineers, external contractors, and field personnel) to achieve aggressive deadlines while championing a safety-first culture.

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