Development M&A Manager

WHO WE ARE

“Energizing the Future.”

TransAlta owns, operates, and develops a diverse fleet of electrical generation assets in Canada, the United States, and Australia, providing municipalities, industries, and businesses with safe, low-cost, and reliable clean electricity.

For over 113 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and proud community member where its employees work and live. We are committed to fostering a dynamic, productive, and safe work environment. Our employees contribute to a diverse, open, and transparent culture with clear accountabilities, strong leadership, and challenging opportunities for personal career growth.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our website at, www.transalta.com.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

It is our collective mission to ensure that every single employee feels a sense of inclusion and belonging and can show up to work as their true authentic self.

TransAlta is committed to hiring a diverse workforce including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community. TransAlta is also committed to equal pay for men and women. TransAlta believes that diversity enhances the quality of its performance, is an essential element of effective corporate governance, and cultivates a strong workplace culture.

ABOUT THE ROLE

TransAlta is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated professional to lead buy-side development M&A origination and execution, advancing our strategic growth initiatives in the utility-scale energy sector.  The role of Development M&A Manager is uniquely positioned within TransAlta, offering the opportunity to manage development mergers and acquisitions while also leveraging project development expertise to expand our portfolio of renewable and conventional energy assets.

This position is focused on markets across the United States and Canada, requiring travel throughout North America.  The role is based in the U.S. or Canada, with a preference for Denver, San Diego, or Calgary.  Remote work arrangements may be considered based on the candidate’s experience and location.

The successful candidate will report into our Senior Vice President of Growth and play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and executing development acquisitions that will enhance TransAlta’s market position and deliver superior shareholder returns.  In addition, the candidate will collaborate with internal experts, external advisors, and key stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of acquired assets and alignment with TransAlta’s long-term growth strategy.

Beyond development M&A, this role will also support the development of wind, solar, storage, and conventional energy projects—advancing opportunities from initial concept through to Final Investment Decision, when projects transition to the construction and execution phase.  The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of energy markets and a strong commercial mindset to assess opportunities and drive value creation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO 

Development M&A

• Lead the prospecting, negotiation, and execution of early-stage and mid-stage power development asset acquisitions.  Focus areas: wind, solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and gas development assets across the western United States
• Lead the acquisition process from end-to-end, including risk analysis, valuation, deal structure, bid recommendation, negotiation, and cross-functional team communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Develop strategic recommendations for value creation via investment in power generation development assets in the US and present to the leadership team
• Support the internal approval process of near-term and long-term growth acquisition opportunities
• Enable unique deal opportunities for TransAlta via the creation and growth relationships with strategic counterparties
• Lead development M&A market intelligence efforts and present quarterly updates on themes, trends, and the competitive landscape within the power and renewables space

Project Development

• Support or lead development activities of early, mid, and late stages wind, solar, storage, and conventional energy projects located within the United States and Canada
• Align projects with company’s long-term growth strategy and initiatives
• Support or lead project development teams in a matrix environment to ensure resources are focused on the right activity at the right time to meet project schedule and budget
• Manage project development through all stages of development, from concept evaluation to hand-off to the execution team for construction. This will include leading the following activities:
  • Collaboration with the Community Relations Team to manage outreach and other stakeholder management activities
  • Work with the land team to secure site control
  • Apply for and secure project permits at the local, provincial / state, and federal level
  • Secure transmission and interconnection rights
  • Oversee project layouts and collaborate with project engineering and construction on design, engineering, and pre-construction planning activities
  • Optimize project variables to improve both technical feasibility and financial returns
  • Coordinate across expert hubs to ensure all project risks are identified, incorporated, and mitigated where possible
  • Partner with the Origination Team to secure long-term offtake agreements and develop competitive pricing strategies
  • Assist in negotiating various commercial contracts, such as Power Purchase Agreements, Turbine Supply Agreements, and Interconnection agreements, and construction related agreements
  • Lead project budgeting and scheduling
  • Represent TransAlta with customers, landowners, government officials, and other stakeholders

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU [j3] 

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
• Development M&A expertise in the acquisition and sale of renewable energy assets, including due diligence, financial structuring, and transaction execution
• 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in renewable energy project development, with a proven track record of successfully advancing projects from inception to completion
• Additional experience in developing conventional energy projects is a plus
• Strong ability to lead high-performing cross-functional teams, driving collaboration across disciplines to achieve project goals
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, vendors, and project partners
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage executive leadership
• Effective cross-functional coordination and leadership, ensuring seamless project execution and integration
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), with advanced skills in financial modeling and project analysis
• Familiarity with Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera, and project management methodologies is an asset

WHAT WE OFFER  

TransAlta is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where you can be your true and authentic self. We offer our employees comprehensive and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, annual incentives, and an employee rewards and recognition program. Here are some highlights of our total rewards package:   

• Annual base salary starting at USD $140K. The final agreed-upon base salary is based on the successful candidate(s) qualifications and experience 
• Annual incentive program  
• 401(k) plan with 5% fixed employer contributions, up to 3% [for all US sites, except Centralia who has 5% - include applicable % in the job posting] company matching, and additional employee contribution 
• Benefits program for you and your family which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance  
• Paid time off  
• Relocation support for the successful candidate as required

** Please note that our total rewards program is subject to change based on state or federal eligibility and legislation and as per the final terms and conditions of the offer of employment.  

Become part of our TransAlta team today! We look forward to reviewing your application.  

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. At TransAlta, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse workforce where you can show up every day as your true, authentic self. So, if you’re excited about this role but your qualifications and experience don’t quite tick every box, we encourage you to apply anyways. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.