Director of Business Development

US, Portland, OR or Remote 

Vestas’ renewable energy development arm in North America, Steelhead Americas (“Steelhead”), is actively seeking a Director of Business Development to join the team reporting to the Vice President of Business Development. Steelhead is a full-suite developer – the business model is prospecting wind energy assets from scratch and developing them to a construction-ready stage at which point they are sold to a long-term owner. Steelhead was founded in 2016 and has developed and sold over 3GW of wind assets to utilities and IPPs and currently has a 5GW pipeline in five ISOs across the US with a team of 50+ full time professionals and growing. 

Responsibilities:

The Director of Business Development shall primarily be responsible and accountable for renewable energy asset exiting project pipeline enablement and growth initiatives in the North American market. This would include originating development partnerships and/or energy offtake and ownership solutions for Steelhead’s existing wind project pipeline with IPPs, utilities or large load customers. The role also entails sourcing early and mid-stage wind-only or hybrid (wind + solar + BESS) project acquisitions, equity investment opportunities into development projects, providing commercial guidance on greenfield prospecting activities, originating joint ventures with strategic partners, supporting or managing asset divestments at NTP, creating business cases for non-core ventures including BESS, solar, etc. and may include corporate-level renewable platform acquisitions. The ideal candidate would have a wide skillset in business, renewable M&A transactions, renewable development fundamentals, US energy markets, and understanding of renewable construction and could include experience in complementary tangential energy intensive industries such as data centers or industrial manufacturing.  

• Investigate, analyze and execute attractive growth opportunities for the business which includes renewable project acquisitions (e.g. wind, solar, BESS, hybrid), joint ventures, and strategic relationships with other developers, IPPs, utilities, energy off-takers and large load asset owners such as data enters or large industrial manufacturers.
• Commercial enablement and optimization of Steelhead’s existing pipeline of wind and hybrid energy projects which includes finding development partners, large load partners, asset buyers, and energy offtakers for projects in unique locations and characteristics.
• Creating and maintaining relationships with utility energy offtakers and/or buyers in the regulated markets (WECC, SERC, etc.).
• Assessment of new opportunities based on thorough understanding of the North American renewable energy business, including markets, technology and competitors; be able to quickly identify attractive investment opportunities and decline unattractive ones.
• Work closely and negotiate with commercial counterparties, utilities, IPPs, government entities, and other stakeholders on projects / transactions.
• Effectively advocate internally for growth opportunities, including completion of internal investment approval memos and presentations to the Steelhead investment committee which includes executive management.
• Complete internal corporate requirements for reporting on the development of growth opportunities. Report on project development status to management via written reports and participation in management meetings and calls.
• Support the finance and legal departments during interactions with third parties (tax equity partners, construction financing, etc.) to ensure transaction terms are favorable.
• Coordinate with executive team to devise a strategy focused on identifying favorable markets, and commercial strategies for growth and pipeline monetization.
• Developing business plans and case studies for new growth opportunities.
• Support or manage the asset sales process including creation of sales process letters, teasers, CIMs, data room build-out, bid analysis and commercial MIPA/APA negotiation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, finance, business administration, or equivalent relevant discipline.
• 10 to 15 years of experience in business development, M&A transactions, project development or project finance in the renewable energy development industry (experience in wind energy is a must-have).
• Data center development or management consulting experience would be beneficial.
• Experience in and understanding of the North American power sector, including legal and/ regulatory aspects, market environment, competition, stakeholders, counterparties, and other areas that impact growth initiatives.
• Network of commercial relationships among key stakeholders in the industry.
• Knowledge and capabilities in all the aspects of project development, including power sales, commercial markets, construction, permitting, interconnection, transmission, fuel supply, project financing, contracts, land acquisition, and financial analysis.
• Knowledge and experience with key project contracts: Power Purchase Agreements, Generator Interconnection Agreements, Turbine and Equipment Supply Agreements, Partnership and Purchase and Sale Agreements, Equipment Purchase Agreements and Operations & Maintenance Agreements would be of value.
• Financial, commercial and game theory understanding and practice.
• Experience in design and construction of renewables would be a benefit.

Competencies:

• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple initiatives simultaneously while organizing one's own tasks.
• Comfortable making fast decisions in an environment characterized by planned shifts.
• Provides commercial guidance and strategic insight.
• Understands financial models, risks/reward balance, and what drives value in greenfield projects / M&A opportunities.
• Behavioral fit. Desired characteristics include being focused but teamwork-oriented, highly methodical, data-based decision maker, creative, and flexible to fast-paced and rapidly changing environment. Whatever it takes to succeed attitude.
• Effective spokesperson and public representative for Steelhead and Vestas.
• Proficient negotiating and problem-solving skills with emphasis on attention to detail.
• Highly numerate and computer literate, skilled in the use of MS Office software for presentations, memos, and financial analytics.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Capable of making sound strategic and operational decisions through analyzing data, focusing on customers and commercial awareness.

What we offer:

As a member of the larger Vestas team, we offer an attractive salary and one of the most comprehensive benefits plans in the industry. Among the many amenities we offer: healthcare; dental; vision; paid time off (PTO); generous 401(k) plan; tuition assistance; and much more.  

It is the policy of Vestas to afford equal employment opportunity without regard to age, race, religion, color, gender, or national origin, and to afford equal opportunity to veterans and individuals with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, provincial, or local law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative within the People & Culture department. 

Expected Travel:

This position is located in Portland, Oregon and will require travel within US (expected 15% to conference, customer and partner meetings). Remote work location will also be considered.

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DEIB Statement
At Vestas, we recognise the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas
Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We specialize in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. 
Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than our competitors in the renewable energy arena. We consider ourselves forerunners within the industry, as Vestas continuously aims to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 185 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, Vestas has an unmatched history demonstrating our expertise within the field. 
With 30,000 employees globally, Vestas is a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future. 
Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives, and gives everyone equal access to opportunity. 
To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.