VP of Development in Utility-Scale Solar PV in Leeds

VP of Development in Utility-Scale Solar PV in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 120000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Climate17

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead utility-scale solar project development and manage a team of project developers.
  • Company: Dynamic renewable energy business focused on innovative solar solutions.
  • Benefits: Bonus structure, equity incentives, and strong career growth potential.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with exposure to a significant solar pipeline.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while leading a talented team.
  • Qualifications: 12 years in renewable energy development with strong leadership and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.

A growing renewable energy business is seeking an experienced Vice President of Development to lead utility‑scale solar project development across the PJM region. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving development strategy, managing a team of project developers, and advancing a large and complex pipeline from site acquisition through notice to proceed. The successful candidate will bring deep development experience, strong leadership capability, and the ability to manage regulatory, commercial, and stakeholder challenges across multiple markets. This role is based in Washington, DC and requires regular office presence.

The Vice President of Development will oversee the full lifecycle of utility‑scale solar projects, with responsibility for strategy, execution, team leadership, permitting, stakeholder engagement, and pipeline delivery. This person will work cross‑functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure projects move efficiently from origination through NTP. This is a highly visible role suited to an experienced renewable energy development leader who can balance long‑term strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.

Key Responsibilities
  • Development Strategy and Execution: Lead development strategy for utility‑scale solar projects across the PJM region. Oversee the progression of projects from site acquisition through NTP. Ensure development activities remain aligned with commercial targets, timelines, and project readiness requirements.
  • Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and grow a team of project developers. Set performance objectives and help standardise development processes. Provide leadership, coaching, and support to ensure consistent delivery.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the senior point of contact with local and state officials, permitting agencies, landowners, and community groups. Build strong relationships that support project advancement and help reduce project risk. Represent the business in public meetings and other stakeholder forums where required.
  • Permitting and Regulatory Oversight: Lead county and state permitting strategy and execution. Support public presentations, hearings, and expert testimony as needed. Ensure projects are advanced in compliance with applicable zoning and permitting requirements.
  • Cross‑Functional Coordination: Work closely with Legal, Interconnection, GIS, Real Estate, Environmental, EPC, External Affairs, and Finance teams. Ensure seamless coordination between development and other business functions. Support efficient handoff of projects into later‑stage delivery.
  • Risk and Reporting: Identify and manage project risks proactively. Track timelines, budgets, and key milestones. Provide regular updates and reports to executive leadership.
  • Acquisitions and Pipeline Growth: Support M&A activity, including project and asset due diligence. Assist with integrating acquired assets into the development pipeline. Contribute to the expansion of the broader project portfolio.
Qualifications
  • 12 years of experience in renewable energy development, with a strong focus on utility‑scale solar.
  • Proven track record of taking projects from origination through NTP.
  • Experience working in PJM or similar regulatory environments preferred.
  • Prior leadership or senior management experience in development.
  • Strong knowledge of county zoning, permitting strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Commercial and financial awareness, including development budgets and capital planning.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business, policy, environmental studies, or related field preferred.
What’s on Offer
  • Bonus structure and equity incentives.
  • A senior leadership role with direct impact on U.S. growth.
  • Exposure to a significant utility‑scale solar pipeline.
  • Opportunity to lead and shape a development team.
  • Collaborative cross‑functional environment.
  • Strong long‑term career potential.

VP of Development in Utility-Scale Solar PV in Leeds employer: Climate17

As a leading player in the renewable energy sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment for the Vice President of Development in Utility-Scale Solar. Located in Washington, DC, we provide a collaborative and innovative culture that fosters professional growth and development, alongside competitive benefits including a bonus structure and equity incentives. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the future of energy while leading a talented team in a role that promises both challenge and reward.

Climate17

Contact Details:

Climate17 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land VP of Development in Utility-Scale Solar PV in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so don’t be shy about making those connections.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so know your stuff! Understand their development strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. We’re looking for someone who can manage a team and drive projects forward, so share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past.

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 are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace VP of Development in Utility-Scale Solar PV in Leeds

Leadership Skills
Project Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Permitting Strategy
Regulatory Compliance
Cross-Functional Coordination
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the VP of Development role. Highlight your experience in utility-scale solar and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

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 drive our development strategy. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership position, be sure to highlight your team management experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others and led projects to success. We love seeing strong leaders in action!

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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Climate17

Know Your Solar Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in utility-scale solar, especially within the PJM region. Being able to discuss specific projects or challenges you've faced will show your depth of knowledge and experience.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about times when you mentored others or led a project from inception to NTP, as this role is all about team management and development.

Engage with Stakeholders

Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement. Share experiences where you've built relationships with local officials, landowners, or community groups, and how those interactions helped advance projects. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.

Risk Management Know-How

Prepare to talk about how you've identified and managed risks in previous projects. Highlight your strategies for tracking timelines and budgets, and be ready to provide examples of how you've reported progress to executive leadership. This shows you're proactive and detail-oriented.