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Project Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Project Development Manager information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$93.3K

$140.1K

How much do project development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development manager in California is $93,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Project Development Manager?

A Project Development Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the planning, execution, and completion of projects within an organization. They manage project teams, set timelines, allocate resources, and ensure that project objectives are met on time and within budget. Project Development Managers often serve as the main point of contact between stakeholders, clients, and team members, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

How does a Project Development Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

A Project Development Manager regularly works with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, marketing, and operations, to ensure project objectives are met. They facilitate communication between departments, align goals, and address any conflicts or dependencies that arise. Effective collaboration often involves leading meetings, tracking progress, and ensuring all stakeholders are informed of updates or changes. This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining project momentum and achieving successful outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Development Manager, you need expertise in project planning, budgeting, and risk management, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or construction management. Familiarity with project management software such as MS Project, Primavera, or Asana, and certifications like PMP or PRINCE2, are highly beneficial. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help foster effective teamwork and client relationships. These skills and qualifications are essential to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

What is the difference between Project Development Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject Development ManagerProject Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees project planning, execution, and delivery; manages teams and budgetsSupports project tasks, schedules meetings, and tracks progress
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in relevant field; PMP or similar certifications often preferredTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentLeads teams in office or on-site; interacts with clients and stakeholdersWorks closely with project teams; often in an office setting
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, engineering, and IT projectsUsed across various industries for project support roles

The Project Development Manager focuses on leading and managing entire projects, ensuring successful completion, while the Project Coordinator provides support and assists with day-to-day project tasks. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, responsibility, and level of leadership.

What are popular job titles related to Project Development Manager jobs in California? For Project Development Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Project Development Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Project Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Development Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,303 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Primergy is a developer, owner, and operator specializing in utility-scale solar PV and battery storage projects across the United States. The company manages a significant portfolio of operational and development-stage projects across major energy markets, including ERCOT, MISO, PJM, CAISO, WECC, and SERC. With a diverse and talented team bringing decades of expertise in renewable energy project development, financing, construction, and operations, Primergy leads the industry in delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions. Primergy is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners and is the primary investment platform for Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners' solar and solar plus energy storage activities in North America.

Primergy is growing our experienced team to manage the significant growth in our business. We offer a fun, entrepreneurial culture, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to work with an experienced, achievement-oriented team.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Development Manager will be responsible for the development of solar, solar + storage and energy storage projects through project management, contract negotiation, and transaction support across a pipeline of projects targeting wholesale power markets in the US and Canada. The Project Development Manager will report to the Senior Director of Development and will be a member of the Development team. The successful candidate will have at least four years of experience in the energy industry, specifically in North America energy infrastructure development. The role will initially focus on projects in the WECC, SPP, and ERCOT markets across both private and public lands. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in data center siting or development, as well as those with a background in siting and developing natural gas or other non-renewable generation resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Development of utility-scale solar power generation facilities within the United States
  • Manage all aspects of solar and solar+energy storage project development from initial greenfield or acquisition efforts through to the start of construction.
  •  Support and conduct due diligence on development-stage project and portfolio acquisitions, including comparison and prioritization of multiple opportunities based on risks, schedules, valuations, investment criteria, and other project metrics.
  •  Ability to communicate and sync cross-functionally, including off-take M&A, Origination, Transmission, Legal, Project Finance, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction team members regularly to minimize project risks.
  • Identify, propose, and implement creative or alternative project development approaches that reduce exposure to permitting risks, optimize development schedules or drive additional project value.
  •  Manage and administer development services agreements with local or regional development partners.
  •  Work with finance department during financial feasibility analysis, evaluation, and during the project debt and tax equity financing processes.
  •  Manage project budgets, objectives, schedules, and deliverables for assigned development projects.
  •  Travel to site locations to meet with landowners and evaluate sites. 
  • Negotiate tax abatements, land use agreements, mitigation settlements, and various other agreements.
  •  Engage community, local, state, and federal institutions for project support. Manage contractors, vendors, and consultants to maintain project timeline, value optimization, and budget.
  • Secure permits and ensure environmental compliance throughout the development, construction, and operation of projects.
  • Coordinate and provide input to project interconnection requests, load-flow and congestion studies, and other necessary aspects of securing project transmission.
  •  Provide market intelligence feedback to the M&A team to inform on the development and acquisition strategies.
  •  Highly energetic and results-driven with a teamwork attitude.
  • 5% - Other duties as assigned.
  • Approximately 30% travel required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  •  Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 4+ years of relevant renewable energy development experience.
  • Experience with and understanding of project development.
  • Solar development and energy storage development experience is preferred
  • Data Center Siting and/or Datac Center development experience preferred.
SKILLSET
  • Honesty and integrity.
  • Resourceful and accomplished research skills ability to effectively utilize publicly available materials.
  • Ability to succinctly communicate and summarize complex issues into actionable deliverables.
  • Driven, resourceful and comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment.
  • Rigorous attention to detail, work ethic, personal responsibility, work product ownership, and organizational skills
  • Requires intimate knowledge of the power and renewable energy market dynamics. Preference for renewable experience in U.S. competitive wholesale electricity markets.
  • Requires the ability to stay current with changing technologies, regulations, and trends influencing the continued adoption of renewable energy.
  • Commercial mindset, strong prioritization, communication, and organizational skills are required.
  • Ability to quickly step into new tasks and adapt to new circumstances in a dynamic environment.

Primergy is committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We understand that individuals from historically underrepresented groups - including women and people of color - may hesitate to apply if they don't meet 100% of the listed qualification. If this role aligns with your interests and career goals, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the criteria.