Application Guide

How to Apply for Sr. Manager, Development

at Avantus

🏢 About Avantus

Avantus is a leader in delivering affordable, zero-emission energy through innovative solar power and integrated storage solutions. The company is known for its commitment to sustainability and its focus on utility-scale projects that make a significant impact on the energy grid. Working at Avantus offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of the renewable energy transition.

About This Role

As a Sr. Manager, Development, you will lead the development of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects from site acquisition through permitting and financial valuation. This role is critical in advancing projects through key milestones, collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Your work will directly contribute to expanding renewable energy capacity in the WECC/CAISO markets.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing interconnection study results for a 200 MW solar-plus-storage project, then meeting with the permitting team to address county-level requirements. You'll also update project budgets in Excel, collaborate with the finance team on valuation models, and have calls with landowners or regulatory agencies to advance site acquisition and permits.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Avantus

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Avantus Is Looking For

  • A seasoned professional with 5-10 years of utility-scale renewable energy development experience specifically in WECC/CAISO markets, demonstrating a deep understanding of interconnection, permitting, and real estate processes.
  • Proficient in MS Excel, Project, Word, PowerPoint, and Google Earth, with a track record of using these tools for financial modeling, project scheduling, and site analysis.
  • An exceptional communicator and leader who can manage multiple priorities, coordinate cross-functional teams, and build strong relationships with external stakeholders.
  • A proactive problem-solver who identifies and mitigates project risks, manages budgets effectively, and supports prospecting and marketing efforts with strategic insights.

📝 Tips for Applying to Avantus

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific utility-scale solar and storage projects you've developed in WECC/CAISO, including details on site acquisition, interconnection, and permitting milestones.

2

Quantify your achievements, such as megawatts developed, budgets managed, or timelines accelerated, to demonstrate your impact.

3

Showcase your proficiency with MS Excel and Google Earth by mentioning specific models or spatial analyses you've created for project valuation or site selection.

4

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to Avantus's mission of delivering affordable, zero-emission energy and mention any knowledge of their specific projects or market presence.

5

Prepare to discuss a specific project you've managed from start to finish, including challenges with interconnection or permitting and how you overcame them.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your extensive experience in WECC/CAISO markets and your familiarity with the regulatory and interconnection landscape in those regions.', "Highlight your ability to manage complex development activities across site acquisition, permitting, and financial valuation, and how this aligns with Avantus's focus on integrated solar and storage.", 'Demonstrate your leadership in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management, providing examples of successful project advancements.', "Express your passion for renewable energy and how Avantus's innovative approach to zero-emission energy aligns with your career goals."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Avantus's recent project announcements and pipeline in the WECC/CAISO markets to understand their focus areas.
  • → Study the company's approach to integrated solar and storage solutions, including any proprietary technology or partnerships.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key regulatory bodies and recent policy changes affecting utility-scale renewables in California and the broader WECC region.
  • → Look into Avantus's company culture and values, especially regarding sustainability and innovation, to align your responses.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with interconnection processes in CAISO. What were the biggest challenges and how did you resolve them?
2 How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines? Provide a specific example.
3 Walk us through a financial valuation you performed for a utility-scale solar plus storage project. What key assumptions did you use?
4 Tell us about a time you identified a significant project risk and mitigated it. What was the outcome?
5 How do you stay current with regulatory changes in the renewable energy space, particularly in WECC/CAISO?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of WECC/CAISO markets, such as mentioning projects outside these regions without relevant transferable skills.
  • Overlooking the importance of financial valuation skills; ensure you can discuss Excel modeling for project finance.
  • Not preparing concrete examples of managing budgets and schedules for utility-scale projects, as this is a key responsibility.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Avantus!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →