Head of Project Development

Head of Project Development

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
JD Ross Energy

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead project development in the energy sector, focusing on grid stability and renewable generation.
  • Company: Established IPP with over 15 years of experience in power projects.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in the energy industry while driving innovative projects.
  • Qualifications: Strong knowledge of energy policies and proven experience in land acquisition and planning.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.

JDRoss have partnered with an IPP who have been established for over 15 years. They have historically worked on small power projects and acted as a service provider for the national grid. The purpose of this role is to grow the company further by adding grid stability projects to the portfolio and generation. Reporting to the CEO, the objective of this role is to identify DNO/NESO/NGET needs to pursue good opportunities to secure land, planning and connections for support services (or small-scale generation meeting renewable and carbon capture requirements in line with the company strategy).

The successful candidate will have:

  • Good knowledge of the energy industry and the government/regulatory authority’s current energy policies/strategy and protocols to ensure suitable M&A acquisitions and land to deliver compatible energy solutions are targeted.
  • The proven experience, drive, knowledge and ability to:
    • Conduct land searches to find suitable plots with a strong potential to pass planning, engage and negotiate with landowners and secure options/lease, purchase or easements for those plots.
    • Set out a successful planning strategy, oversee planning consultants where necessary and apply for planning in order to gain planning permission to build target energy projects.
    • Apply for connections to DNO and NGET.
    • Submit successful bids for NESO/Government tender initiatives.

Key Objectives of the role:

  • Use a variety of tools to identify DNO/NESO/NGET/Government needs for potential development/acquisition sites.
  • Analyse sites, usage and cable routes to ensure they have good prospects of meeting planning requirements.
  • Plot the land details on aerial maps along with land title to enable easy presentation of findings to the executive team and communicate rationale.
  • Determine title of land and contact details of all relevant parties and make direct contact with them where possible to ensure positive relations from opening exchanges through to engaging with legal to obtain letters of authority, heads of terms and fully signed options/leases.
  • Apply for electrical/gas connections through the relevant parties and negotiate through to successful conclusion whilst building good working relationships with stakeholders in this area.
  • Apply for and secure planning permission and other consents as required for each site.
  • Drive approval process in a timely manner.
  • Co-ordinate site surveys and visits as required to gather local data to determine such things as flood risk, areas of natural beauty, farming grade land, proximity to woodland, river/canals/land crossings which may require easements from other owners.
  • Negotiate and finalise any required easements/wayleaves for cables and site access with landlords and third parties as required.
  • Keep accurate records of work on each site, co-ordinate site files, take and keep minutes of meetings.
  • To have the confidence and experience to lead the bidding process for NESO/Government tender initiatives such as LT29.

Key attributes/experience:

  • Self-starter with keen commercial acumen and strong drive.
  • Good team player with strong interpersonal skills and able to take responsibility.
  • Experience of closing multiple land deals in energy or a closely related space over past few years.
  • Experience of gaining electricity and/or gas connections and associated issues.
  • Experience in gaining successful planning applications.

Head of Project Development employer: JD Ross Energy

As a leading player in the energy sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement, alongside a competitive benefits package. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive culture that values sustainability and encourages meaningful contributions to renewable energy projects.

JD Ross Energy

Contact Detail:

JD Ross Energy Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Project Development

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 land you that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Research the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. When you walk into that interview, you want to show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re the one who gets their vision and can help them grow.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions and even some tricky ones. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar. And remember, check out our website for more opportunities!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Project Development

Knowledge of the energy industry
Understanding of government and regulatory authority energy policies
M&A acquisition experience
Land search and negotiation skills
Planning strategy development
Experience with planning consultants
Application for planning permission

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of the energy industry and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. We want to see that you can talk the talk and know what’s going on with DNO/NESO/NGET needs.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their experience in land acquisition and planning strategies. Make sure to highlight relevant projects you've worked on that align with our goals.

Show Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves engaging with landowners and securing options or leases, it’s crucial to showcase your negotiation skills. Share specific examples where you’ve successfully navigated similar situations in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at JD Ross Energy

Know Your Energy Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest energy policies and regulations. Understanding the current landscape will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the industry.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully led, especially related to land deals or planning permissions. Be ready to discuss your approach and how you built relationships with stakeholders, as this is crucial for the Head of Project Development role.

Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Think about how you would identify and pursue opportunities for grid stability projects. Be prepared to share your strategies for conducting land searches and applying for connections, as well as how you would oversee planning consultants.

Be Ready to Discuss Bidding Processes

Since you'll be leading the bidding process for NESO/Government initiatives, come equipped with insights on successful bids you've submitted in the past. Highlight your experience and any innovative approaches you've taken to secure funding or approvals.