Director, Thermal Development

Company Overview:

Copia Power (“Copia”) is an energy transition company committed to developing, constructing and owning large-scale infrastructure assets in the U.S. Copia is actively developing more than 15 GW of renewable energy generation and storage capacity and 12 GW of data center and industrial load. Copia is backed by Carlyle, one of the world’s largest global investment firms.

At Copia, we pride ourselves on a culture where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the environment, and we believe that achieving this goal requires not just hard work but also enjoying the journey. Our team thrives on connectivity, fostering strong relationships across all levels of the organization. Together, we combine passion and playfulness to drive progress and make a difference.

Job Description:

Copia is seeking a Director of Thermal Development to lead Copia’s development efforts related to the development of thermal power generation facilities. Seeking candidates with 7+ years of experience the energy space with exposure to the development process, including permitting, real estate, engineering, procurement, interconnection and legal through construction commencement. This role requires a versatile individual who possesses exceptional decision making, communication, and influencing skills as well as the ability to collaborate well in a fast past, people-first company. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting large portfolio projects through the full project cycle from greenfield inception, to financing, and through construction.

The Director of Thermal Development will report directly to the Chief Development Officer, Power, working closely with Copia’s Development, Engineering, Commercial, Legal, and Finance teams in an individual contributor capacity.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Acting as the lead subject matter experts to develop early and late-stage thermal energy projects, manage projects into the construction phase, and support the project through commissioning and project financing for handover to asset management and operations. 

·        Managing the development of a portfolio of projects: budgeting and finances, project timing and planning, risks assessment, and defining portfolio priorities based on development metrics and offtake potential. 

·        Managing third-party consultants and experts in support of the development of portfolio projects.

·        Coordinating with interdisciplinary teams including land negotiations, real estate, engineering, permitting, interconnection and legal through construction commencement. 

·        Facilitating project discretionary permitting including permit strategy, tracking permit efforts, working with local AHJs, and obtaining all entitlements for the successful construction and operation of project facilities. 

·        Collaborating with an internal team and external consultants to site siting constraints, project design, technology options, resource assessments, and procurement strategies. 

·        Supporting the negotiation of critical project agreements including equipment supply agreements, PPAs, IAs, EPC contracts and O&M agreements. 

·        Managing and conducting due diligence on individual or portfolio acquisitions, where they will work closely with the business development and M&A team to assess project risk and opportunity, complete project valuations, and make recommendations on transaction, structuring, and acquisition of assets. 

What We Look For:

·        Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.

·        Highly driven with problem-solving abilities, integrity, and strong work ethic.

·        Proactive mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

·        Ability to work effectively within a rapidly changing organization.

·        Demonstrated collaborative partnerships with peers, management, and vendors.

·        Resourcefulness and polite persistence.

Minimum Qualifications:

·        7+ years professional experience, in the energy industry

·        Bachelor’s degree preferred

·        Proven experience with Microsoft Office, including advanced proficiency in PowerPoint & Excel

·        Experience with project management software

·        Ability to work in the Dana Point, Salt Lake City, or Lake Oswego office a minimum of 3 days per week.

·        Ability to travel up to 30%  

·        Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

We are partnering with select search firms for this role and are not accepting inquiries or candidates from additional third-party agencies or recruiters.

Our Benefits:  

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone at Copia to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We offer flexible work hours and generous benefits to all of our employees that include:

- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage with no premiums

- Company contribution to 401(k) plans

- Annual bonus eligibility

- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)

- Paid company holidays

- Wellness and cell phone credits

- Life and AD&D Insurance

- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for community and support

- Opportunities for professional development to grow and thrive within the company

About Copia: Copia Power (“Copia”), is a wholly owned portfolio company of the global investment firm, The Carlyle Group. Copia’s platform is focused on developing, owning, and operating utility-scale sustainable infrastructure in the United States. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For more information, visit www.copiapower.com. 

At Copia, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.