At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of ground-mounted solar projects and negotiate with key stakeholders.
- Company: Rapidly growing renewable energy platform focused on distributed energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team and shape the future of energy in the UK.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector while driving innovative solar projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in solar development and strong commercial negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-capitalised and rapidly growing renewable energy platform that is investing heavily in distributed energy solutions across the UK. Having already established a strong position within the commercial and industrial energy market, the business is now expanding its ground-mounted solar offering, with a particular focus on private wire projects and long-term corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
To support this growth, they are seeking an experienced Commercial Director to lead the origination, development and commercial delivery of ground-mounted solar opportunities from inception through to financial close. This is a highly commercial position combining business development, project origination, technical development oversight and route-to-market strategy. The successful individual will play a key role in building a significant pipeline of private wire opportunities with major industrial and commercial energy users.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will take ownership of identifying, originating and progressing new ground-mounted private wire solar opportunities across the UK. Working closely with internal technical, legal, finance and delivery teams, you will lead projects through the full development lifecycle whilst acting as the commercial lead with landowners, customers, advisers and strategic partners.
Key responsibilities include:
- Originate new ground-mounted solar and private wire opportunities across the UK.
- Build and maintain relationships with major industrial and commercial energy users.
- Develop commercial structures for private wire projects and long-term corporate PPAs.
- Lead commercial negotiations with customers, landowners, advisers and delivery partners.
- Assess project feasibility from both technical and commercial perspectives.
- Coordinate internal development activities including grid, planning, engineering and financial modelling.
- Manage projects through development towards financial close and construction.
- Identify strategic partnerships with developers, landowners, EPC contractors and advisers.
- Develop route-to-market strategies for new projects and energy offtake arrangements.
- Support investment committee approvals and commercial decision making.
- Work closely with the Chief Commercial Officer in shaping the company's wider distributed energy strategy.
Candidate Profile
We're looking for someone who combines strong commercial instincts with an excellent technical understanding of UK ground-mounted solar development. You will already possess an established network across developers, landowners, consultants, corporate energy users and energy buyers, with a proven ability to originate opportunities rather than simply manage existing projects.
You are likely to have experience within:
- Ground-mounted solar development.
- Distributed energy.
- Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
- Renewable energy developers.
- Infrastructure or energy investment platforms.
- The renewable energy or infrastructure team of a major land agency or property consultancy, where you have advised on or originated renewable energy developments, negotiated with landowners and developers, and built strong relationships across the market.
You will ideally demonstrate:
- Significant experience developing front-of-the-meter or private wire solar projects.
- Strong understanding of UK planning, grid connection and project development processes.
- Experience negotiating corporate PPAs, private wire agreements and other energy supply structures.
- Existing relationships with large commercial and industrial energy users.
- Strong knowledge of electricity markets, routes to market and renewable energy commercial models.
- Excellent commercial negotiation skills.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary development teams.
- Ability to operate comfortably within a fast-growing entrepreneurial business.
Candidates coming from leading renewable energy teams of large land agencies may be particularly well suited to this opportunity. They often combine a strong technical understanding of project development with extensive relationships across landowners, developers, investors and advisers, making them well placed to originate opportunities and lead projects from inception through to commercial delivery.
If you are interested in discussing this opportunity, please reach out to David Blake at Climate17.
Commercial Director – Ground Mounted Solar (Private Wire) in Slough employer: Climate17
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding renewable energy platform that is at the forefront of the UK's transition to sustainable energy solutions. As a Commercial Director, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, while benefiting from extensive professional growth opportunities in the booming field of ground-mounted solar projects. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on impactful projects, this company offers a unique chance to make a meaningful contribution to the future of energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director – Ground Mounted Solar (Private Wire) in Slough
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughClimate17's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Climate17's website for the full-time Commercial Director – Ground Mounted Solar (Private Wire) role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director – Ground Mounted Solar (Private Wire) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Climate17. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Climate17
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Climate17.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Climate17.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
