Chief Development Officer (Houston)

Chief Development OfficerHouston, TexasClient is a Houston-based power company, PE backed. to address a critical challenge facing the U.S. data center industry: the inability of traditional power infrastructure to keep pace with explosive AI-driven demand.The company develops, builds, owns, and operates customized power infrastructure for data centers, delivering firm, on-site generation aligned with the speed, scale, and reliability demands of modern hyperscale and AI-driven facilities.Client is led by a highly experienced management team, each with 20+ years of expertise across global power infrastructure. Their capabilities span gas-fired generation, renewables, battery storage, and fuel cells, enabling tailored, site-specific solutions.The OpportunityMy client is seeking an exceptional Chief Development Officer to lead the development of a gigawatt-scale portfolio of greenfield power projects across U.S. ISO markets.This is a rare opportunity to:Build and lead the development function from the ground upOperate at the intersection of AI-driven data center demand and next-generation power infrastructureWork directly with executive leadership to define and execute technical strategyAs a key member of the senior leadership team, you will coordinate external partners while building an internal team capable of delivering firm, dispatchable power solutions ahead of traditional grid timelines.Position OverviewThe Chief Development Officer will serve as the technical and commercial leader for all aspects of project development, from early-stage feasibility through to construction readiness and contract execution.Key ResponsibilitiesLead all technical aspects of gigawatt-scale power project development, including feasibility, interconnection strategy, permitting, and procurement planningManage interconnection processes across U.S. ISOs/RTOs, including queue strategy, studies, and utility coordinationDirect federal, state, and local permitting, including environmental and air quality approvalsCoordinate with external partners across engineering, development, and power system designWork closely with hyperscalers and data center operators to meet Tier III/IV reliability standardsDevelop procurement strategies for generation equipment, BESS, and balance-of-plant systemsBuild and lead a high-performing internal development teamSupport commercial negotiations, including LOIs, PPAs, and project financing discussionsEstablish scalable development processes, standards, and best practicesRequired QualificationsPower Development Experience15+ years of experience in U.S. power project developmentStrong background in dispatchable generation (gas, combined cycle, simple cycle, engines, fuel cells)Proven track record delivering large-scale projects from greenfield through CODDeep experience with ISO/RTO interconnection processesStrong permitting expertise across federal, state, and local jurisdictionsTechnical CapabilitiesStrong understanding of power generation technologies and plant designExperience with substations, grid interconnection, and fuel systems - Thermal PowerFamiliarity with battery storage and hybrid systemsAbility to translate data center reliability requirements (N+1, 2N, uptime) into technical solutionsKnowledge of EPC delivery models and procurement processesLeadership & Commercial SkillsProven ability to build and lead high-performing teamsExperience working with off-takers (utilities, large power users, industrial clients)Strong project delivery and commercial acumenExcellent communication with executives, investors, and regulatorsComfortable operating in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environmentPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting mission-critical or data center power solutionsBackground in IPP or private equity-backed infrastructure platformsExposure to project finance and PPA structuringEngineering degree (Electrical/Mechanical preferred); PE a plusExperience with repowering, brownfield, or conversion projectsWhat We OfferPlatform-building opportunity at a high-growth power infrastructure companyBacking from a leading infrastructure investorLeadership role delivering gigawatt-scale projects supporting AI and data center growthCompetitive compensation, bonus, and equity participationAccess to top-tier partners across engineering, development, and manufacturingEntrepreneurial environment with direct executive exposure and autonomyLocationHouston, Texas (Headquarters)