Project Development Director

Description:

Director, Project Development 

Location: Toronto, ON – Hybrid (3+ days/week in office)

Job Type: Full-Time

Travel Requirement: Approximately 30-40% within North America 

Position Type: Backfill

Join the Future of Reliable Energy!

Are you ready to shape the future grid? Hydrostor, a leading energy storage, technology and infrastructure company dedicated to developing utility-scale, long-duration energy storage solutions, is seeking a Director, Project Development to join our team in Toronto. We’re supporting the development of a more resilient electricity grid and invite you to be at the forefront of this work!

Why Hydrostor? 

Our cutting-edge A-CAES technology is uniquely poised to revolutionize the energy landscape. Join us as we lead the way in shaping a reliable and secure energy future.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Director, Project Development, to lead the advancement of utility-scale energy storage projects from early-stage development through to financial close.
In this leadership role, you will be responsible for defining and executing development strategies across a portfolio of complex infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on environmental permitting, regulatory approvals, and Ontario-based development frameworks. This includes navigating municipal, provincial (e.g. MECP, IESO), and federal requirements, as well as real estate entitlement, stakeholder engagement – including First Nations and Indigenous communities – and regulatory strategy.

You will work cross-functionally with internal teams (Commercial, Engineering, Legal, Finance) and external partners to deliver projects that are environmentally responsible, financially viable, community-supported, and aligned with Hydrostor’s long-term growth objectives.

Your Day-to-Day Adventures

Lead the end-to-end development of utility-scale energy storage and infrastructure projects, from site origination through environmental assessment, permitting, commercial structuring, and financial close.
Define and execute project development strategies, including site selection, land acquisition, permitting pathways, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.
Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with First Nations and Indigenous communities, ensuring early engagement, collaboration, and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Oversee and guide permitting and approvals processes at municipal, provincial, and federal levels, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with project timelines.
Direct community and stakeholder engagement efforts, including government agencies, regulators, landowners, and community groups, to build project support and address concerns.
Lead land acquisition strategies and negotiations, including lease agreements, easements, and other land rights required for project advancement.
Partner with internal and external teams to manage environmental assessments, impact studies, and due diligence activities.
Collaborate with Engineering and Construction teams to ensure constructability and technical feasibility are incorporated early in development planning.
Oversee interconnection strategy and execution, working with utilities, ISOs, and other stakeholders to secure grid access.
Drive project governance, including budgets, schedules, risk registers, and stage-gate approvals, ensuring transparency and accountability across the portfolio.
Provide leadership and mentorship to development team members, fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable culture.
Represent Hydrostor externally as a senior leader in negotiations, partnerships, and industry forums.
Maintain a strong understanding of market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and policy developments across relevant jurisdictions.
Champion Hydrostor’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and responsible development practices across all project activities.

Who You Are

We are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader with deep experience in developing large-scale infrastructure or energy projects, particularly within Ontario’s environmental and permitting framework. The ideal candidate brings a strong track record of navigating complex permitting environments, building trusted relationships with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, and advancing projects through key development milestones.

You are a confident decision-maker who can balance commercial, technical, regulatory, and community considerations while driving projects forward in a disciplined and thoughtful manner. You thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and bring a high degree of accountability, sound judgment, and leadership presence.

Success in this role requires strong communication skills, political and cultural awareness, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams and external partners toward aligned and successful outcomes.

What You Bring

10–15+ years of experience in project development, including leadership of large-scale energy or infrastructure projects through environmental assessment, permitting and financial close.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, environmental studies, law, or a related field; advanced degree considered an asset.
Proven experience managing permitting and regulatory approvals across municipal, provincial, and/or federal jurisdictions in Canada, specifically Ontario.
Demonstrated experience engaging and partnering with First Nations and Indigenous communities, with a strong understanding of consultation, rights, and relationship-building best practices.
Strong commercial acumen, including experience with project economics, contract negotiation, and risk management, including risk-weighted decision-making skills.
Experience with land acquisition and title processes, including negotiation of leases, easements, and related agreements.
Deep familiarity with Ontario Environmental Assessment processes, permitting pathways, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Understanding of electricity markets, grid interconnection processes, and utility/regulatory frameworks in North America; Ontario market experience considered an asset.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage external consultants, partners, and stakeholders.
Strong project management capabilities, including budgeting, scheduling, efficient management of video conferencing and multi-disciplinary meetings, and stage-gate governance.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to represent the organization at senior levels.
Experience in renewable energy, energy storage, or similar energy infrastructure sectors is preferred.
Proficiency in relevant tools (e.g., GIS, project management platforms, MS Office).
Willingness to travel as required and drive proactive field engagement as necessary; valid driver’s license required.