At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of onshore renewable energy projects and build a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Great British Energy and help shape the UK's clean energy future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and 38 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in renewable energy while leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in renewable energy project development and strong leadership skills.
Location: Aberdeen/Edinburgh
Reporting to: Onshore Development Director
Number of Roles Available: 1
Company Overview:
Join Great British Energy and be part of powering the UK's Clean Energy Future. At GBE, we're not just building an energy company - we're shaping the future of the UK's energy landscape.
About the Role:
Great British Energy is looking for a Head of Onshore Development to join our GBE Onshore Energy Team. This role will play a key part in contributing to projects, objectives, and wider organisational goals. The Head of Onshore Development is responsible for leading the origination, development, governance and delivery of a portfolio of Onshore renewable energy projects from site identification through planning consent and Final Investment Decision (FID). The role is accountable for building and leading a multidisciplinary development team, the continuous improvement of development processes, overseeing project governance, and ensuring projects are technically deliverable, commercially viable, consentable and financeable. The postholder acts as the senior owner of the project development portfolio and is responsible for ensuring projects progress safely, efficiently and in accordance with company strategy and governance requirements. This includes managing relationships with landowners, investors, regulators, local authorities, supply chain partners and community stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Development Strategy & Portfolio Leadership: Develop and implement the organisation's onshore renewable project development strategy. Build and maintain a pipeline of onshore wind, solar PV and battery storage projects. Lead portfolio prioritisation and resource allocation. Identify new development opportunities through Greenfield origination, public land partnerships, acquisitions, joint ventures, and co-development arrangements. Support long-term growth strategy and portfolio expansion activities.
- Project Development Delivery: Oversee projects through site identification, land acquisition, grid connection, environmental assessment, planning consent, procurement preparation, and Financial Investment Decision (FID). Ensure adherence to project stage-gate governance: Initiation, Feasibility, Development and Definition (FID/FC). Monitor project budgets, programmes and risk registers. Lead interventions on projects that become off-track. Ensure robust project controls and reporting mechanisms are implemented, working with the goal of continuous improvement.
- Team Leadership: Build, lead and mentor a high-performing development team, promoting the core behaviours of being Bold, Entrepreneurial, Impactful and Inclusive. Establish development capability, procedures and standards. Recruit and develop key personnel. Promote continuous improvement and industry best practice. Foster a collaborative culture across development, investment, construction and operations teams. Deputise for the Director of Development as required.
- Commercial & Investment Management: Lead development input into investment cases and governance approvals. Shape commercial structures for projects and partnerships. Oversee project financial models and development expenditure. Support acquisitions and strategic investment opportunities. Ensure development activities support long-term portfolio value creation. Drive a bold, entrepreneurial spirit within the team.
- Stakeholder & Partnership Management: Build strategic relationships with landowners, public sector partners, network operators, planning authorities, investors, and government stakeholders. Lead community engagement strategy. Represent the organisation at industry and public sector forums. Act as senior escalation point for key stakeholders.
- Governance, Risk & Assurance: Ensure compliance with development governance frameworks. Maintain portfolio risk management processes. Lead portfolio reporting to Executive, Investment Committee and Board. Ensure compliance with CDM 2015, planning legislation, environmental regulations, grid connection requirements, and corporate governance requirements, including the Project Governance Framework. Develop and maintain portfolio-level KPIs and performance metrics.
- Development-to-Delivery Integration: Coordinate handover of projects into construction. Work with the Delivery team to ensure construction readiness prior to FID. Align development activities with delivery and asset management requirements. Promote Safe by Design principles throughout development.
Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
- Extensive experience in renewable energy project development.
- Demonstrable experience developing UK onshore wind, solar PV, and battery energy storage projects.
- Successful track record delivering projects through planning consent and FID.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary development teams.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder environments.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Experience presenting to boards, investment committees and senior executives.
Desirable Skills:
- Demonstrable knowledge of UK planning for all UK countries.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) methodologies.
- Grid connection processes.
- Land acquisition and option agreements.
- Renewable energy commercial structures, e.g. CfD, PPA.
- Project governance frameworks.
- Public procurement awareness.
- CDM 2015 requirements.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Engineering, Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Property, Energy or related discipline.
- Project Management qualification (APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent) strongly desirable.
- Professional / Chartered status desirable: MRTPI, MRICS, CEnv, CEng, MAPM.
Personal Qualities:
- Takes ownership, shows confidence in decision-making, and is willing to challenge constructively.
- Focuses on delivering meaningful outcomes and making a positive, lasting impact.
- Works collaboratively, valuing different perspectives and building inclusive relationships.
- Proactive and adaptable, with a curiosity to explore new ideas and improve ways of working.
- Resilient and resourceful in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer:
- Competitive base salary.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- 4x salary life assurance.
- Group income protection.
- 38 days annual leave.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- Supportive, inclusive working environment.
How to Apply:
For further information please contact Robbie Nelson, Lead Sourcing Specialist.
Application Close Date: 19th August.
Head of Onshore Development in Bonnyrigg employer: Public Sector Resourcing CWS
Great British Energy - Nuclear is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration, trust, and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to the UK's energy security and net-zero goals. Located in Warrington or London, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being part of a pioneering organisation at the forefront of nuclear technology advancement.
Contact Details:
Public Sector Resourcing CWS Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Onshore Development in Bonnyrigg
✨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!
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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 ThroughPublic Sector Resourcing CWS's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Public Sector Resourcing CWS's website for the full-time Head of Onshore Development 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 Head of Onshore Development in Bonnyrigg
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 Public Sector Resourcing CWS. 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 Public Sector Resourcing CWS
✨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 Public Sector Resourcing CWS.
✨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 Public Sector Resourcing CWS.
✨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.
