About the role:
BlueWave has an immediate opening for a Vice President, Development based in Illinois, responsible for leading development activities across the Illinois market and broader Midwest region. This role reports to the SVP of Project Development and has accountability for the strategy, execution, and performance of BlueWave’s solar and storage development portfolio in the region, from early-stage origination through readiness for construction and financing.
The Vice President will serve as the senior development leader for the Midwest, setting market strategy, driving pipeline growth, and ensuring disciplined execution across a portfolio of complex solar and storage projects. This role works closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams including Development Services, Policy, Execution, Grid Integration, Engineering, Capital Markets, and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality, financeable projects.
BlueWave is at the forefront of innovative dual-use solar projects, including agrivoltaics, and this role will play a central role in shaping market strategy and bringing those projects to scale. This position requires strong development leadership, strategic judgment, financial acumen, and the ability to manage projects in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
What you'll do:
- Own and lead the Midwest development strategy, with primary responsibility for the Illinois market, including pipeline growth (market team building and management), prioritization, and capital efficiency
- Provide executive oversight of the development and delivery of profitable solar and storage projects across the region
- Partner with Development Services, Policy, Execution, and Grid Integration leadership to guide origination strategy, site selection, and interconnection approaches at both the project and market level
- Establish development best practices, processes, and performance standards to support consistent execution at scale
- Oversee consultants, contractors, and external partners to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality development outcomes
- Serve as a senior representative of BlueWave at community meetings, public hearings, and regulatory proceedings, including high-visibility and sensitive stakeholder engagements
- Act as a senior point of escalation for landowners, permitting authorities, utilities, engineers, and other external stakeholders
- Maintain deep expertise in Illinois solar incentive programs, policy developments, and regulatory frameworks
- Lead presentation of regional pipeline performance, project budgets, risk profiles, and capital requirements at Investment Committee (IC) and executive-level meetings
- Partner closely with the Capital Markets team to support financing strategies, transaction execution, project/pipeline acquisition, and asset sale processes
- Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local regulatory changes, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and strategic responses
- Represent BlueWave in interactions with investors, regulatory agencies, utilities, and strategic partners
- Ensure effective use of project management, document control, and MIS tools to support transparency, risk management, and executive reporting
- Oversee project documentation, milestone tracking, and readiness for handoff to construction and operations
- Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure seamless transitions between development, construction, and operations
- Contribute to broader company strategy, growth initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred
- 10-15+ years of experience developing DG-scale solar and energy storage projects
- Located in Illinois, with preference for the Chicago area
- Demonstrated success leading regional or market-based renewable energy development portfolios
- Deep knowledge of solar PV technology, system design principles, and DG-scale development best practices