Development Manager – Renewables

The Development Manager – Renewables will be the responsible lead for the delivery of renewable natural gas (RNG) plants from initial concept through development, construction, commissioning, and final operational handover. This role requires a seasoned professional with deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of delivering complex, high-value energy infrastructure projects.

The Development Manager will work with a portfolio that will include GFL self-developed projects as well as co-developed projects through joint venture contracts. The role will require working closely with joint venture partners, third-party operators, and internal feedstock suppliers to ensure end-to-end success of each RNG plant commissioning.

This role reports to the VP, Renewables – Infrastructure and Operations.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Project Management
Own the entire project lifecycle for multiple RNG plant projects simultaneously, with individual design capacities ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm).

Project Governance
Implement and rigorously manage a structured stage-gate process, ensuring all projects meet strict technical, financial, regulatory, and environmental hurdles before advancing to the next phase.

Design & Development

Oversee and/or direct engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities.

Lead detailed design reviews, equipment specification, and vendor selection.

Financial & Proforma Leadership

Collaborate with the Financial Team to develop and review detailed project proformas and financial models.

Utilize project-level data (CAPEX, OPEX, schedules) to help develop accurate proformas that ensure project viability and maximize return on investment (ROI).

Manage project budgets, forecasts, and schedules, proactively identifying and mitigating financial risks.

Stakeholder Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams (Development, Finance, Operations), external partners, regulatory agencies, engineering firms, and contractors.

Risk Mitigation
Identify potential project risks (technical, commercial, regulatory) and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.

Commissioning & Handover
Directly manage the full commissioning process for new RNG facilities, ensuring performance guarantees are met and all systems are fully functional.

Operational Transition
Successfully execute the formal handover of commissioned, operating plants to the dedicated Operations team, including comprehensive training, documentation, and close-out procedures.

Renewable Energy Expertise
Apply in-depth knowledge of renewable energy project delivery, specifically involving gas processing, pipeline interconnection, and associated regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience managing large-scale, complex industrial or energy infrastructure projects.

Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical), Construction Management, or a closely related technical field.

Project Delivery Track Record

Demonstrated experience with the successful delivery of large infrastructure or renewable energy projects (e.g., biogas, RNG, solar, wind).

Direct experience and demonstrated ability to build a project from concept to commissioning.

Specific, verifiable experience in commissioning and final hand-off of operating plants to an operations team.

Technical Knowledge
Proven knowledge of gas processing technologies, gas cleanup systems, compression, and interconnection standards.

Skills and Leadership Competencies

Exceptional problem-solving and adaptability, with the ability to manage complex technical issues where project parameters may shift due to site or feedstock conditions.

Proven contract negotiation skills for EPC agreements, major equipment purchases, and external professional services.

Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to executive leadership and technical information to field teams.

Ability to mentor and lead multi-disciplinary teams (including internal engineers, external contractors, and field personnel) to achieve aggressive deadlines while championing a safety-first culture.

Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) and collaboration tools.

Additional Requirements

PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification highly preferred.

Ability to travel approximately 40–50% to project sites across the region/country for site audits, oversight, and commissioning activities.

 

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact myworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com

 

This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.