Director of Development

Job description

About us: Pacifico Energy is a global energy infrastructure firm supporting complex, large load projects from development through to operations. The company serves as a trusted partner across engineering, financing, construction, and optimization, delivering tailored power solutions for large energy users, including data centers. With a proven international track record and over 15 years as a large-scale developer, Pacifico brings speed and knowledgeable oversight to projects from start to finish. We are looking for an experienced Director of Development to lead and oversee large-scale energy infrastructure projects from early-stage origination through Notice to Proceed (NTP). As Director of Development, you will be responsible for managing the full development lifecycle of complex, multi-technology energy projects — including but not limited to natural gas generation, utility-scale solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and hybrid configurations. While our platform spans multiple energy technologies, candidates must bring demonstrated experience successfully developing large-scale energy projects and advancing them through permitting, interconnection, commercialization, and financing milestones. Based in Dallas, this role requires strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams in parallel. You will provide input to the site origination and land acquisition team, while taking on ownership for permitting, interconnection, stakeholder engagement, and commercial transaction support — ensuring projects are fully de-risked and positioned for successful financing and construction. What you get to to do: Development Strategy & Pipeline Growth Lead origination and advancement of large-scale energy infrastructure opportunities. Support site origination, providing guidance to the land acquisition team to secure high-value sites based on strategic parameters Shape market entry and portfolio growth strategies in target regions. Core Project Development Lead permitting efforts both internally and through the management of external 3rd party consultants Develop and execute permitting strategies across federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Oversee environmental studies, agency coordination, and regulatory approvals. Interface with the engineering team to develop site configurations that maximize project marketability and reduce permitting uncertainty Work with cross-functional teams to ensure project compliance with environmental, zoning, and land use requirements. Interconnection & Grid Strategy Lead projects through interconnection processes (ERCOT and/or other ISOs/RTOs). Coordinate closely with internal engineers and third-party consultants to optimize system design. Manage queue strategy, cost exposure, and network upgrade risks. Commercial Structuring & Transactions Lead negotiation of key development-stage agreements. Support offtake strategy, commercial structuring, and revenue modeling. Coordinate diligence processes for tax equity, debt financing, or asset sale transactions. Present development updates and investment recommendations to executive leadership. Budget & Risk Management Own development budgets and schedules. Identify and proactively mitigate regulatory, commercial, and technical risks. Advance projects to NTP within approved capital and timeline parameters. Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination Lead cross-functional coordination across development, engineering, finance, and construction teams. Manage external consultants, attorneys, and technical advisors. Serve as senior representative with utilities, regulators, landowners, and community stakeholders. Mentor and develop junior development staff. 10+ years of experience in energy or infrastructure development. Proven track record advancing large-scale energy projects through advanced development stages. Direct experience managing interconnection processes and complex permitting environments. Strong understanding of U.S. power markets (ERCOT experience preferred). Demonstrated success negotiating development-stage commercial contracts. Experience managing development budgets and multi-year project schedules. Strong financial acumen with experience supporting project financing or M&A processes. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. What We’re Looking For Strategic, commercially minded leader with strong execution discipline. Comfortable operating in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment. Highly organized with a strong ownership mindset. Capable of managing complex, capital-intensive infrastructure projects with multiple stakeholders.