At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead solar energy projects from concept to investment, managing teams and client relationships.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: SSE values diversity and offers support for all applicants to thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy transition while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management or business development in energy or related sectors required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations: Reading, London, Glasgow, Perth, Manchester.
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
Overview: We are seeking a Project Development Manager to lead the development of Behind the Meter energy projects (predominantly solar), taking accountability for progressing opportunities from early‑stage identification through to investment decision. The role combines project development responsibilities with a short‑term secondment into Business Development, meaning this role will have a unique view of the full lifecycle of projects from supporting pipeline growth and origination of new opportunities through to managing projects through to investment decision and operations. This is a high‑impact role requiring strong commercial, technical and stakeholder management capability.
You will:
- Lead the development of BtM projects through early‑stage feasibility, commercial structuring, and governance gates, ensuring readiness for investment decision and operations.
- Develop robust project propositions, including coordination of technical, commercial and financial inputs, and preparation of governance submissions.
- Manage client relationships and support the origination, qualification and progression of new opportunities during Business Development secondment.
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams (engineering, commercial, legal, finance) to deliver high‑quality, investable solutions aligned to customer needs.
- Ensure compliance with internal governance, risk management and approval processes throughout the project lifecycle.
You have:
- Proven experience in project development, project management or Business Development within energy, infrastructure or related sectors.
- Strong commercial acumen, with ability to assess project viability and contribute to commercial structuring and negotiations.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder environments, including customers, internal teams and senior decision‑makers.
- Demonstrable ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive projects through structured governance processes.
- Degree‑qualified (or equivalent experience) in project management, engineering, energy, finance or a related discipline.
About SSE: SSE's purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. SSE Energy Customer Solutions serves over 1.3 million households and businesses across the UK and Ireland. We help our customers accelerate their net zero ambitions by providing energy and low‑carbon energy solutions. These include EV hubs, solar systems, smart technologies, and heating and cooling networks.
Flexible benefits to fit your life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Project Development Manager employer: SSE PLC
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide flexible benefits, including private healthcare discounts and generous family entitlements, ensuring our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Our commitment to inclusivity and career development, combined with the opportunity to lead impactful energy projects across major UK cities, makes SSE a rewarding place to build your career in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research SSE and their projects thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, especially around energy transition. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you led teams or managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to navigate stakeholder environments and drive projects to success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining SSE and contributing to their mission of building a better world of energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in project development and management, especially in energy or infrastructure sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with stakeholder management and cross-functional teams.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to lead projects. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Projects
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of Behind the Meter energy projects, especially solar. Understand the lifecycle from early-stage identification to investment decision, as this will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex stakeholder environments in the past. Highlight your ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and maintain strong client relationships, as these are crucial for the Project Development Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience in assessing project viability and contributing to commercial structuring. Bring specific examples of negotiations you've been involved in, as this will illustrate your strong commercial skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about SSE's Transforming for Growth investment plan and how the Project Development Manager fits into that vision. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role, and it can help you stand out from other candidates.
