At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of private-wire solar and BESS projects from concept to construction readiness.
- Company: Alight, a leading solar IPP focused on sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible work location, competitive salary, and potential for full-time contract.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in solar project development and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic industry.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Alight is a leading solar IPP (Independent Power Producer) on a mission to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy system by developing, owning, and operating solar & BESS assets that deliver long‑term value for businesses and the planet. As a Project Developer, you will be a part of our behind‑the‑meter (BtM) team, responsible for a pipeline of onsite solar and BESS projects with commercial and industrial (C&I) customers. You will work closely with landowners, local authorities, DNOs, and corporate offtakers to bring well‑structured, bankable projects from early concept to ready‑to‑build. You will join a cross‑functional, highly collaborative team with the opportunity to shape how we develop private‑wire projects in the UK market.
This is a full‑time contract for an estimated period of 6‑12 months, with the potential for full‑time contract at the end of the assignment (if preferred). We’re open to both fixed‑term employment and consultants. We have an office in London, but work location is flexible in the UK, with travel across the country as required for site visits and stakeholder meetings.
Your impact
We are looking for a Project Developer to lead the development of private‑wire solar and BESS projects in the UK from early‑stage qualification through to construction readiness. A key part of this role is to strengthen Alight’s internal capability in private‑wire development by helping to standardise processes, frameworks and best practices across the business.
- Site identification and assessment
- Identify and screen sites suitable for private‑wire solar generation
- Assess site viability through constraints mapping, grid capacity, access, yield analysis and cable routing
- Land rights and agreements
- Engage landowners and agents to secure site control via exclusivity
- Lead negotiations for land agreements, including Heads of Terms, options to lease, leases, easements, wayleaves and access rights
- Coordinate with legal counsel to progress land agreements efficiently
- Project development to RTB
- Coordinate all technical, planning and commercial workstreams to reach ready‑to‑build (RTB) status
- Manage all development activities to achieve RTB status, including planning, grid, design, environmental assessments, surveys and permitting
- Coordinate internal and external stakeholders (technical, planning, legal, commercial) to keep projects on track
- Commercial and private‑wire structures
- Support the commercial team during structuring of private‑wire PPAs and offtake arrangements with C&I clients
- Provide guidance on private‑wire specifics, including easements, land options and long‑term asset ownership considerations
- Process and capability building
- Develop internal frameworks, best practices and repeatable processes for private‑wire solar and hybrid projects
- Contribute to the company’s strategy for hybrid assets (solar + storage) delivered via private‑wire
- Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate offtakers, landowners, planning authorities, DNOs and technical partners
We’re looking for you
- Proven experience developing private‑wire or large‑scale (5 MW+) solar and BESS projects in the UK
- Strong track record negotiating land agreements (Heads of Terms, leases, options, easements) with landowners and their advisors
- Excellent understanding of site constraints, planning requirements and grid considerations for ground‑mounted solar and BESS
- Demonstrated ability to progress multiple projects in parallel from early concept through to RTB
- Strong commercial awareness, including PPA structures, land valuation and key value drivers for C&I offtakers
- Clear, confident communication and relationship management skills with landowners, corporate clients and public authorities
- Ability to interpret and work with surveys, layout designs, environmental assessments and grid studies
- Fluent in English
- Located in the UK
Sounds like a fit? Apply today!
Project Developer - Private-Wire Solar & Storage in City of Westminster employer: alight-energy.com
Contact Detail:
alight-energy.com Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Developer - Private-Wire Solar & Storage in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the solar and BESS industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for sustainability! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for renewable energy and how it aligns with your career goals. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Alight and their projects, especially in private-wire solar and storage. Be ready to discuss how your experience fits into their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Developer - Private-Wire Solar & Storage in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Developer role. Highlight your experience with private-wire solar and BESS projects, and don’t forget to mention any relevant land negotiation skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about sustainable energy and how your skills can help us accelerate the transition. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your ability to manage multiple projects from concept to ready-to-build. We’re looking for someone who can juggle tasks and keep everything on track, so share examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Alight!
How to prepare for a job interview at alight-energy.com
✨Know Your Solar Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of private-wire solar and BESS projects. Understand the key concepts, like site viability, grid capacity, and planning requirements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiating land agreements is a big part of this job, prepare examples of past negotiations you've handled. Think about how you secured land rights or navigated tricky discussions with landowners. This will demonstrate your experience and capability in this area.
✨Get Familiar with the Team Dynamics
Research Alight's team structure and the cross-functional collaboration involved in project development. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to building strong relationships with stakeholders like landowners and corporate clients, as teamwork is crucial in this role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about technical aspects like environmental assessments, cable routing, and project timelines. Brush up on your ability to interpret surveys and layout designs, as well as your understanding of the commercial side, including PPA structures. This will help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.