Director, Project Development

Brunel has partnered with SB Energy to hire a Director, Project Development for their growing Development & Origination team. Backed by SoftBank and Ares, SB Energy develops and delivers large-scale power and data center infrastructure projects across the U.S. 

In this role, you will lead the strategy, origination, and execution of major energy infrastructure projects from early-stage development through financial close and Notice to Proceed, working closely with internal teams, customers, utilities, regulators, and external partners. 

About SB Energy: 

SB Energy is a fast-growing energy and infrastructure company backed by SoftBank and Ares. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, they develop, build, own, and operate large-scale power and data center infrastructure across the United States. 

Since launching in 2019, SB Energy has quickly become a leading integrated platform with more than 3 GW in operation and a strong pipeline of future projects nationwide. Their team combines innovation, technical expertise, and execution excellence to deliver reliable, secure, and forward-thinking infrastructure that helps power America’s future. 

About the role:  

The Director of Project Development will lead the strategy, origination, and execution of large-scale energy infrastructure projects across the U.S., with a focus on natural gas, power generation, and data center-related energy solutions. This role is responsible for advancing projects from early-stage origination through financial close and notice-to-proceed (NTP), while driving cross-functional alignment and external partnerships.  

The Director will play a critical leadership role in shaping the company’s development pipeline, evaluating new market opportunities, and ensuring successful project execution in increasingly complex regulatory and commercial environments.  
 
Location: Remote   

Responsibilities: 

• Lead and oversee the full lifecycle development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects—including natural gas-fired generation, pipeline/interconnect infrastructure, renewable energy, and data center energy solutions—from origination through NTP.   
• Own development strategy and pipeline growth, identifying and executing on greenfield and acquisition opportunities across target U.S. markets.   
• Direct due diligence efforts on project and portfolio acquisitions, assessing commercial, technical, regulatory, and environmental risks and opportunities.   
• Structure and negotiate complex transactions, including joint ventures, co-development agreements, and strategic partnerships to expand the development portfolio.   
• Provide executive oversight of project financials, including pro forma modeling, capital structuring, and investment committee materials.   
• Lead negotiation of key commercial agreements   
• Drive projects through financing and investment approvals, partnering closely with Capital Markets and external financing partners.   
• Oversee permitting and regulatory strategy, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, particularly as they relate to natural gas infrastructure and emissions frameworks.   
• Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Strategy, Procurement, Construction, and external consultants to optimize project design, technology selection, and execution strategy.   
• Manage senior stakeholder relationships, including utilities, ISOs/RTOs, regulators, landowners, and joint venture partners.   
• Establish and enforce development best practices, including governance, risk management, budgeting, and scheduling across multiple concurrent projects.   
• Mentor and develop a high-performing development team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance oversight.  

Qualifications/Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).   
• 10+ years of experience in project development within the energy and infrastructure sector, with significant exposure to natural gas, thermal generation, or midstream infrastructure.   
• Proven track record of successfully advancing large-scale projects to financial close and NTP.   
• Deep understanding of natural gas markets, including gas supply, transportation, storage, and integration with power generation assets.   
• Strong experience with project structuring and commercial negotiations, including PPAs, gas agreements, EPC contracts, and joint ventures.   
• Expertise in project permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory processes, particularly for natural gas and power infrastructure.   
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple complex projects simultaneously.   
• Strong financial acumen, including experience overseeing project pro formas and investment decision-making.   
• Familiarity with grid interconnection processes, ISOs/RTOs, and energy market dynamics.   
• Experience with land acquisition, real estate agreements, title review, and ALTA surveys.   
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence both internal and external executive audiences.   
• Proficiency with standard business and project management tools (Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, etc.).   

Compensation & Benefits 

At SB Energy, we invest in our people and their families with benefits designed for flexibility, support, and peace of mind. Full-time employees enjoy:  

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)  
• 401(k) with Company Match  
• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays  
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave  
• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage  
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)  
• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)  
• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits  
• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data  
• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans  
• Device Purchase Support  

To learn more about SB Energy, visit www.sbenergy.com.