At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow the Solar PV market, driving new opportunities and ensuring compliance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to renewable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid work model, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Solar PV and strong business development skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire
Type: Permanent, Mon-Fri (3 days onsite, 2 days wfh hybrid)
Salary: Up to £68k pending candidate experience (+ £4k car allowance)
Project Partners are now recruiting for a Solar Business Development Manager to lead, establish and grow the clients Solar PV market portfolio. The ideal candidate will be someone with a strong Solar Energy and Business Development background who is ready to get stuck in and generate new leads for the company to grow within the Solar PV Market.
Purpose of role: The Solar Energy Development Manager will lead our clients' entry, establishment and growth within the Solar PV market. The postholder will be responsible for building the complete operational, commercial and compliance capability required to deliver safe, efficient and profitable solar installation programmes across domestic and commercial environments. The role combines business development, programme establishment and technical oversight — ensuring our client develops robust processes, a skilled workforce, and a reliable supply chain. Working closely with Solutions, PMO, Programme Delivery, Training, Quality, HSSQE and Supply Chain teams, the postholder will embed high standards of safety, compliance, customer experience and operational performance while driving continuous improvement and contributing to our clients’ strategic growth in renewables.
Duties and Key Responsibilities:
- Within 3 Months:
- Produce a Solar Opportunity Roadmap outlining target customer segments, revenue modelling and delivery requirements.
- Establish the core solar supply chain (minimum 3 panel suppliers, 2 inverter suppliers, 2 roof/subcontract partners).
- Deliver a Solar Capability Gap Analysis across our clients’ workforce with training recommendations.
- Create Solar Installation Process v1.0 including survey → design → install → commission steps.
- Within 6 Months:
- Support training and upskilling of at least 10 operatives (surveyors/electricians/fitters).
- Finalise Solar Quality & Compliance Framework aligned to industry standards.
- Deliver the first fully compliant solar installations with our clients’ crews (pilot phase).
- Implement supply chain performance measures and monthly reporting.
- Within 12 Months:
- Grow monthly installation capacity to agreed business targets (based on strategic ramp).
- Achieve ≥95% first-time-right installations across pilot programmes.
- Reduce installation cycle time by ≥20% through process optimisation.
- Contribute to our clients’ achieving their annual solar revenue target.
Business Development & Opportunity Growth:
- Identify, qualify and develop new Solar PV opportunities across domestic, commercial and local authority sectors.
- Produce business cases, growth plans, and revenue projections in line with our clients’ financial targets.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, clients, suppliers, distributors and technology partners.
- Support the Customer Solutions Director with bid input, pricing strategies, solution design and commercial models.
Programme Establishment & Delivery Readiness:
- Work closely with the PMO to define programme structures, workflows, risks, quality gates and delivery milestones.
- Develop scalable processes for survey, design, installation, commissioning, and aftercare.
- Establish KPIs and reporting mechanisms for installation throughput, quality and customer satisfaction.
- Ensure all installation activities comply with MCS, DNO, IET, HSE and relevant Solar PV industry standards.
Internal Capability Growth & Workforce Upskilling:
- Identify skills gaps (surveyors, electricians, fitters, PMs).
- Work with the Training and Quality Teams to develop training roadmaps, modular training programmes, accreditation pathways for operatives, toolbox talks, SOPs and competency frameworks.
- Coach internal teams to work confidently and safely within solar installation environments.
- Support Solutions and Programme Teams with technical guidance during the early phases of rollout.
Supply Chain Development & Management:
- Source, vet and onboard a reliable, compliant solar supply chain, including panel and inverter manufacturers, mounting and racking suppliers, battery storage partners, roofing and scaffolding subcontractors.
- Maintain approved supplier lists, ensuring pricing accuracy and availability of materials.
- Manage commercial agreements, performance reviews and cost updates, working with Procurement and Solutions Teams.
Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement:
- Ensure full compliance with HSSQE, MCS, electrical safety standards and industry best practice.
- Lead root-cause analysis and improvement actions for defects, rework or client complaints.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across delivery, safety, customer experience and cost efficiency.
- Ensure accurate documentation, certification, commissioning packs and audit records are produced for every installation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work collaboratively with Solutions Team, PMO, Programme Delivery, Training & Quality, HSSQE.
- Support senior management with progress reports, risks, mitigations and performance insights.
Experience and Competencies required for the role:
- Essential:
- Strong background in Solar PV (domestic and/or commercial).
- Proven experience working within renewable energy, electrical or construction sectors.
- Experience in developing or scaling new service offerings/programmes.
- Strong commercial awareness and supply chain management capability.
- Knowledge of MCS standards, DNO notifications, IET wiring regulations and solar safety practices.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Desirable:
- Experience working with PMO or Programme Delivery environments.
- Technical qualification in electrical engineering, renewables or construction.
- Experience integrating solar with battery storage, EV charging or smart-home technologies.
- Familiarity with quality frameworks, audit processes and compliance reporting.
KPIs & Success Measures:
- Solar revenue and margin performance
- Number of installations delivered successfully
- Audit pass rate and compliance score
- Workforce capability uplift (training completions, competence sign-off)
- Supply chain performance (cost, reliability, quality)
- Customer satisfaction and defect rate
- Programme delivery efficiency (cycle time, first-time-right)
Solar Business Development Manager in Cambridge employer: Project Partners
At Project Partners, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the renewable energy sector. Our Ely location provides a hybrid working model, allowing for a balanced work-life integration, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored training programmes and opportunities for professional development. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Solar PV market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solar Business Development Manager in Cambridge
✨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 ThroughProject Partners's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Project Partners's website for the full-time Solar Business Development Manager 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 Solar Business Development Manager in Cambridge
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 Project Partners. 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 Project Partners
✨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 Project Partners.
✨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 Project Partners.
✨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.
