Senior Development Manager

Reporting to: Head of Business Development UK

About Lightsource bp

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development. For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise. Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security. Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What you’ll do (the role)

In this role, you’ll bring the necessary expertise and relevant industry contacts to contribute to the rapid growth of our UK and Ireland Development operations. You will autonomously manage a pipeline of projects from an early stage through to financial close, ensuring they are bankable and ready for investment in line with business targets. Alongside project development, you’ll manage, create and update processes that benefit the team and business, taking initiative to improve Lightsource bp’s efficiency, productivity and competitive edge.

Core Responsibilities

• Drive development and close transactions in a well-forecasted, timely manner that exceeds Lightsource bp’s margin requirements by coordinating different workstreams and internal departmental resources: planning, PPA, technical, commercial engineering, procurement, legal, grid, and delivery.
• Bridge the relationship with all relevant stakeholders including DNO, landowners, TA, EPC and ICP and internal resources to ensure competent negotiations on land rights, deeds, permits, DNO offers, planning, construction contracts and PPA where required.
• Oversee projects effectively – leading meetings and communications and directing stakeholders to ensure maximum efficiency. This requires a high level of action-orientated, clear communication at all times, including weekly and monthly meetings/reporting to peers, project team and Executives.
• Run financial models and use price indicators to negotiate commercial terms which meet Lightsource bp’s margin requirements. Regularly update and provide clear forecasting of project cashflows in line with budget forecasts.
• Liaise with all relevant stakeholders to obtain the information required to independently write and present formal budget requests to Executive Management Committee and Investment Committee.
• Understand and negotiate solutions to property reports involving legal team where necessary.
• Understand and negotiate commercial issues in ICP and EPC contracts supporting the delivery and construction team where necessary.
• Represent Lightsource bp at community and company events, conveying our business and development acumen in a professional manner while enforcing company strategies.
• Provide proficient line management to up to 1-2 staff members as required, including regular 1-2-1’s, appraisals and setting personal development goals.

Who we’re looking for

Knowledge

• Strong breadth of knowledge across full solar development life cycle.
• Knowledge of Option to Lease/land rights agreements is essential.
• Understanding of grid & knowledge/relationships with UK DNOs is essential.
• Understanding of project finance and financial modelling terms.
• Strong written and verbal English language.
• Understanding of renewables industry, energy and environmental issues in UK and EU.
• Reasonable understanding of Private Wire and Corporate PPAs.

Qualifications

• Degree in related discipline desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Solar and BESS development.
• Strong track record of closing deals and contracts.
• Developing and managing work-related projects, deadlines and resources across cross-functional teams is a must.
• Experience in M&A is beneficial.

Why you’ll make a great member of the team

• Team player with ability to forge long term professional relationships with third parties.
• Ability to work autonomously and take initiative to independently problem solve.
• Highly adaptable with ability to learn quickly and work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to take the lead in situations that require a strong voice to close issues.
• Excellent negotiator and communicator.

Why you’ll want to work for us

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow, a place where your ideas and opinions matter. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect. Our culture is driven by our core values – from operating safely to ensuring our projects are responsible. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits. Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. These include our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project, or volunteering on our VIBES committee to name a few.

Our core values

Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.

Why you’ll want to stay with us

At Lightsource bp, you’ll work within agile, cross-functional teams where diverse perspectives come together. Our culture embraces open knowledge sharing and collaboration, empowering you to learn from others and accelerate progress collectively. Your career growth is our priority and a shared journey. We are committed to developing talent from within and prepare you for career advancement so you can shape a fulfilling and lasting journey here. In today’s fast-changing world, a learning mindset is essential and therefore we proactively support upskilling to help you push your skill boundaries and stay ahead in your field, so you can not only keep pace with change but confidently shape a brighter future.