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- Tasks: Lead renewable energy projects from inception to late-stage development across the UK.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at BayWa r.e. UK Limited, driving the energy revolution.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private health insurance, and a flexible work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a multicultural team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in renewable energy while advancing your career in a fast-paced market.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in UK renewable energy project development and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Head of Project Development to oversee and lead the progression of a growing 3GW+ renewable energy project pipeline across the UK from origination handover through development, consenting, and technical/commercial maturation, with the objective of delivering late-stage, fully de-risked projects ready for handover to the Project Delivery team.
The role is accountable for ensuring that projects are consented, grid-secured, commercially optimised, and technically robust, such that residual development risk is minimised prior to final investment. The successful candidate will bring proven experience in renewable energy project development, with a demonstrable track record of progressing UK projects to late-stage or ready-to-build. The role will be based at our office in Edinburgh or Glasgow, and there will be some requirement for UK travel depending on site locations.
What You Will Do
- Reporting to the Managing Director you will take ownership of projects from origination handover stage through to late stage (planning consent, grid contracted, land secured, commercially optimised).
- Lead, manage and motivate internal project developers and other key team members.
- Define and lead the execution of development strategies for wind, solar, and BESS projects.
- Lead the preparation and presentation of high-quality investment papers to senior management and Board, ensuring clear articulation of project risks, opportunities, and value drivers; actively track the progression of project investment cases and drive timely, well-informed decision-making at key milestones.
- Plan and allocate resource to ensure the project team can deliver against agreed targets.
- Lead planning strategy & execution across UK jurisdictions including stakeholder engagement strategy.
- Oversee, drive and support implementation of development project grid connection strategies with TOs and DNOs.
- Commercial: support and inform financial modelling & valuation tracking of all approved projects, drive commercial optimisation across the portfolio (capex/opex, contract negotiations, land agreements).
- Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including landowners, statutory consultees and regulatory authorities.
- Ensure smooth transition of portfolio projects to EPC, Head of Project Management, or internal investment teams.
- Review and implement processes for project development, risk and programme management, and commercial cost control, ensuring that portfolio projects are contracted, implemented and delivered safely, on time & to budget.
What You’ll Need To Succeed
- Significant experience and track record in UK renewable energy project development.
- Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning, or related field.
- Proven track record delivering projects to de-risked late development stage.
- Excellent proven understanding of UK planning system (TCPA, NSIP, Section 36 consents), grid connection process, EIA and environmental constraints.
- Experience across both onshore wind and solar PV.
- Strong leadership skills with proven track record of leading project teams to successful results.
- Commercially strong with good experience of managing challenging projects, complex investment cases, and contract negotiations.
- Understanding of CfD auctions, and route to market considerations.
- Organised and pragmatic with an ability to find solutions to challenging problems.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
- Risk management and problem-solving.
- Ability to make strategic decisions considerate of technical, legal, commercial, consenting influences.
- Excellent communication skills, both written (presentations, reports, MS applications) and spoken.
- Excellent commercial insight for assessing key value drivers of projects.
- Building strong, cooperative and productive relationships with the key internal and external teams involved in developing and advancing projects.
- In possession of the right to work in UK.
What’s in it for you?
- Being part of a highly motivated ever-growing and multicultural team that drives forward the energy revolution.
- Innovative and fast-changing market and working environment.
- Hybrid Working.
- Private Health Insurance.
- Life Assurance Cover.
- Company Pension Scheme.
- Flexible Working Environment.
- Yearly Discretionary Performance Bonus Scheme.
- Mental Health First Aid support.
- Employee Assistance Programme which provides all employees with 24/7 access to telephone and online counselling.
- Access to an online benefits portal which includes travel and shopping discounts, healthy living advice & a financial well-being resource.
Head of Project Development in Edinburgh employer: BayWa r.e.
Contact Detail:
BayWa r.e. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Project Development in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in renewable energy. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. We believe that a little courtesy can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Let’s get you into that role together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Project Development in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Project Development role. Highlight your experience in renewable energy project development and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about renewable energy and how your skills can help us lead our project pipeline. Be sure to mention specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to deliver late-stage, fully de-risked projects.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Project Development, strong leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects. We love to see candidates who can motivate others and drive results!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at BayWa r.e.
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the renewable energy projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will show your expertise and give you confidence when answering technical questions.
✨Master the UK Planning System
Brush up on your knowledge of the UK planning system, including TCPA, NSIP, and Section 36 consents. Being able to articulate your understanding of these processes will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you motivated a team or navigated complex project challenges. This will help you convey your ability to lead and manage effectively in a high-stakes environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Be prepared to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement. Share specific instances where you built strong relationships with landowners or regulatory authorities. This will illustrate your communication skills and your ability to manage key relationships crucial for project success.