Senior Development Manager in London

Lead the origination, development, and consenting of utility‑scale solar PV and battery storage (BESS) projects from early‑stage site identification through to fully consented, investment‑ready, and ready‑to‑build status. The Senior Development Manager will take ownership of complex projects, provide strategic oversight across the development portfolio, and play a key role in mentoring and guiding the wider development team.

What you will do:

• Site Origination
  • Lead the identification, assessment, and prioritisation of new solar PV and BESS opportunities using GIS mapping tools, feasibility studies, energy yield assessments, and financial modelling.
  • Oversee project viability analysis including budgets, cash flow forecasting, and risk‑adjusted returns to inform investment decisions.
  • Proactively engage with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), transmission operators, planning authorities, land agents, and industry bodies to identify and unlock development opportunities.
  • Provide senior input and challenge to site origination proposals developed by other team members.
  • Support the creation and refinement of the company’s development pipeline strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Project Development & Delivery
  • Take end‑to‑end responsibility for the development of complex, high‑value projects through land acquisition, planning, and grid connection stages.
  • Lead negotiations with landowners, agents, and legal advisers to secure land rights and commercial agreements on optimal terms.
  • Oversee and direct external consultants (planning, environmental, grid, engineering, legal) to ensure high‑quality outputs and timely delivery.
  • Manage grid connection strategies and applications, engaging directly with network operators to optimise outcomes and mitigate constraints.
  • Act as the senior point of contact for external stakeholders including local authorities, statutory consultees, system operators, and community stakeholders.
  • Lead stakeholder consultation strategies and ensure effective community engagement in support of planning outcomes.
  • Maintain full ownership of project budgets, cash flow forecasting, and cost control, providing clear reporting to senior management.
  • Identify, manage, and report development risks and opportunities, escalating key issues and recommending mitigation strategies.
  • Manage the advancement of projects in line with KPIs and company project deliverables on time.
• Leadership, Governance & Continuous Improvement
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to Development Managers and other team members, supporting their professional growth.
  • Manage and monitor KPIs and project delivery requirements of direct reports to ensure team accountability and deliverability.
  • Support the development and growth of development managers, project managers, and graduates.
  • Contribute to the development of best practices, processes, and standards across the development function.
  • Support senior management in strategic decision-making, investment committee inputs, and project approvals.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of renewable energy policy, planning frameworks, grid reform, and market developments, advising the business on impacts and opportunities.
  • Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and external forums as a senior ambassador for Elgin.
  • Promote and exemplify Elgin’s corporate values, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performance culture.
  • Support additional duties as required by senior leadership or the Board.

Your profile

• 5+ years’ experience in project development, planning, engineering, consultancy, or a related role within the renewable energy or power sector.
• Proven track record of leading utility‑scale solar and/or BESS projects through planning and grid to ready‑to‑build stage.
• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or a related discipline (Master’s degree desirable).
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in budgets, financial modelling, and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capability, with experience guiding junior team members.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work strategically while maintaining hands‑on oversight of project delivery.
• Proactive, adaptable, and collaborative approach with the confidence to operate at senior and executive level.