VP of Business Development (M&A Solar Power Plant Pipeline)

About 1st Avenue Power:

At 1st Avenue Power, we are on a mission to deliver simple, fast-to-deploy, customer-centric and intelligent power systems leveraging the abundance of solar to provide inexpensive and reliable clean energy to global customers from data centers to energy starved communities around the world. We envision a future where every community, business, and nation thrives on the limitless potential of clean energy, united in a shared commitment to a sustainable and equitable world.

You will be working with Dr. Tom Buttgenbach, a clean energy technology innovator and entrepreneur who has been a driving force in making solar-based energy solutions the cheapest and most reliable energy option. Tom founded and led Avantus (formerly known as “8minute Solar Energy“), to become one of the largest and most profitable solar and energy storage companies in the United States and the largest in California, including delivering over 17% of Los Angeles’ power.  When Tom sold his interest in Avantus’ development business  to KKR in mid-2024, it had delivered over $1 billion in profit and secured over $10 Billion in power purchase agreements and project financings with a pipeline of over 30 GW of solar and 90 GWh of energy storage, capable of powering the homes of more than 20 million Americans day and night. Tom’s family office investment firm, 1st Avenue Capital, is building teams for the next generation of advanced solar power system architecture and AI to aggressively drive down the cost of and equitable access to clean and reliable energy.[1] 1st Avenue’s advanced large scale power systems are addressing the increasing inadequacy of the grid to meet the massively growing power demands of the digital economy, while its intelligent distributed solar utilities are leapfrogging the grid to provide equitable access to inexpensive, clean and reliable power to underserved communities around the world.

About the Role:

Join a groundbreaking team of proven leaders at the forefront of the clean energy transition. We are building a future where sustainable energy is accessible to all. We are seeking an experienced and strategic VP of Business Development (Solar Power Plant Pipeline) to lead our growth initiatives in the solar/renewable energy sector. This role will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth through project acquisitions and market expansion. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in business development, project finance, and deal execution within the renewable energy industry.

What Makes This Job Unique:

• Leadership Impact: As VP of Business Development (Solar Power Plant Pipeline), you will have significant influence on key strategic decisions and play a vital role in shaping the future of 1st Avenue Power's energy strategy. You will also have the opportunity to curate, lead and mentor a talented team of business development professionals.
• Growth Potential: 1st Avenue Power and the project pipeline is in high growth mode, offering excellent opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Co-Founder Mindset: This is an opportunity for a passionate and driven individual to join a groundbreaking team and contribute significantly to our mission. We encourage candidates who bring a co-founder mindset, with a focus on ownership, innovation, and a deep commitment to building a sustainable and equitable energy future.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Growth

• Define and lead the company’s business development strategy for utility-scale solar and BESS markets

• Identify and evaluate new markets, project opportunities, and partnerships aligned with company growth goals

• Shape go-to-market strategies for integrated solar + storage offerings

Partnerships & Deal Origination

• Source, build, and manage relationships with developers, utilities, IPPs, offtakers, landowners, and technology partners

• Lead negotiations of term sheets, joint development agreements, and commercial partnerships

• Represent the company at industry conferences, forums, and investor meetings

Project Pipeline Development

• Drive origination of acquisition opportunities for solar PV and BESS projects

• Collaborate with internal development, engineering, and finance teams to evaluate project viability

• Maintain and expand a strong project pipeline through proactive outreach and relationship management

Commercial & Financial Structuring

• Lead commercial analysis and deal structuring for PPAs, tolling agreements, and merchant risk strategies

• Support M&A efforts related to solar and storage portfolios

• Partner with finance and legal teams on due diligence and closing activities

Contract Negotiation

• Oversee negotiation of project-related contracts: NDAs, LOIs, land agreements, EPCs, interconnection, and offtake agreements

• Ensure alignment with internal risk, compliance, and profitability metrics

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with Product, Engineering, Operations, and etc. teams to align business strategy with market trends

• Provide market intelligence on policy changes, incentives, and competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets

Team Management & Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing business development team

• Set performance goals, establish KPIs, and oversee team execution across regions

Market Intelligence

• Monitor competitive landscape, technology advancements, and regulatory environments across key markets (e.g., CAISO, ERCOT, PJM, etc.)

• Deliver regular insights to executive leadership on risks and opportunities in the solar + BESS sector

• Other duties and responsibilities that are assigned 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in business development, project finance, or corporate development within the renewable energy sector, specifically in solar.
• Strong understanding of solar project acquisition, PPA negotiations, and financing structures (tax equity, debt, and equity financing).
• Proven track record of successfully leading negotiations, closing deals, and scaling business operations.
• Established network of industry contacts, including utilities, and investors
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Deep knowledge of energy markets, regulatory policies, and renewable energy incentives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with project finance for renewable energy projects (solar & BESS preferred).
• Experience in CAISO & ERCOT.
• Experience with financial modeling software.
• Strong understanding of ESG principles and sustainability reporting.
• Experience working in a fast-growing and dynamic environment.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Health Insurance: We offer 100% coverage of employee premiums under a Gold-level PPO plan. Dental & Vision Insurance: 50% of employee premiums are covered.
• Retirement Plan: A 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match.

1AI Energy, the employing entity for 1st Avenue Power, and 1st Avenue Power are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race (inclusive of traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), age, veteran or military status, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, reproductive decision-making, or any other legally recognized protected class under federal, state, or local law.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on 1AI Energy or 1st Avenue Power. Please inform the company's personnel representative if you need assistance completing an application or to otherwise participate in the application process. 

Join our team and make a real difference in the world.

[1: Additionally, 1st Avenue is in the business of acquiring projects where there has been a final notice-to-proceed or financial close.]  

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