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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead solar and BESS development projects from start to finish, ensuring timely and profitable outcomes.
- Company: Join Lightsource bp, a leader in renewable energy committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in solar development, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in a related field.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values your ideas and promotes personal development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Head of Development UK & Ireland
Location: London, 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)
Summary
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.
Duties and 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 resource: planning, PPA, technical, commercial engineering, procurement, legal, grid, and delivery
- Bridge the relationship with all relevant stakeholders including DNO, TSO, landowners, TA, EPC and ICP and internal resource to ensure competent negotiations on land rights, deeds, permits, grid 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 Functional Risk Committee.
- Understand and negotiate solutions to property reports involving legal team where necessary.
- Understand and support negotiation of 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 staff members as required, including regular 1-2-1’s, appraisals and setting personal development goals
- Provide training, mentoring and support to direct reports and junior team members, fostering their development and capability building
- Take accountability for the project management outcomes of direct reports, ensuring delivery standards and timelines are met
Who we’re looking for
Knowledge
- Strong breadth of knowledge across full solar & BESS development life cycle
- Knowledge of Option to Lease/ land rights agreements is essential
- Understanding of grid & knowledge/relationships with UK Grid Operaters 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 of running multi-discipline project teams and of managing a small team of developers
- Experience in M&A is beneficial
Why you’ll make a great member of the team
- Natural leader and confident in taking the lead in situations that require a decisive and strong voice to resolve issues
- Ability to work autonomously and take initiative to independently problem solveHighly 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.
Be you
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.
Be responsible
Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.
Be recognized
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.
Be inspired
Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives.
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.
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Senior Development Manager UK & ROI employer: Lightsourcelabs
Contact Detail:
Lightsourcelabs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager UK & ROI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience in solar and BESS development during interviews. Bring examples of how you've closed deals and managed projects to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to Lightsource bp directly through our website and express your interest in future opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management and contract negotiations, brush up on your communication techniques to impress during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager UK & ROI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in solar and BESS development, and don’t forget to showcase your project management skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 background aligns with our mission at Lightsource bp. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to close deals and manage projects effectively. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved efficiency or exceeded targets, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lightsourcelabs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the solar and BESS development life cycle. Brush up on your knowledge of land rights agreements and UK grid operators, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in managing cross-functional teams and how you’ve navigated challenges to achieve project goals.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is key in this role, so be ready to discuss your approach to closing deals and contracts. Think of specific instances where you negotiated terms that benefited your previous employers. This will help illustrate your skills and give the interviewers confidence in your abilities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication is essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you manage stakeholder relationships and lead meetings, as effective communication will be a big part of your success in this role.
