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 Base salary: $190,000–$240,000. Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, location, market benchmarks, and internal equity. Total compensation may include a discretionary annual bonus. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process. 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 .