Development Director

Vinova; Sydney; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Vinova seeks an executive leader to steer a significant Australian renewable energy portfolio from origination through to FID. You will lead a high-performing team, shaping growth, and partnering with government, utilities and investors to drive capital-efficient development.

With 10+ years in the sector and a proven track record delivering utility-scale projects, you will influence strategy and execution at the highest level and align portfolio growth with corporate objectives.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Australian renewable energy or large-scale energy infrastructure development.
• Proven track record taking utility-scale renewable energy projects through development to FID/financial close.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across grid, planning, environment, commercial, engineering and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Define where and how the renewable energy portfolio grows.
• Lead and develop the team responsible for delivering that growth.
• Take major projects from early development through to FID.
• Oversee project budgets, programmes, risks and key development decisions.
• Assess new sites, acquisitions and strategic partnerships.
• Navigate planning, grid and regulatory pathways with internal specialists and external stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with government, utilities, landowners and investment partners.
• Strengthen development processes and governance as the platform scales.
• Provide clear investment recommendations to the executive team and Board.

Skills

Leadership

Portfolio management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

• Lead the development and growth of a significant Australian renewable energy pipeline
• Executive-level role taking projects from origination and feasibility through to FID
• Shape portfolio strategy, future growth and a high-performing development team

The Opportunity

Our client is a privately backed renewable energy platform entering an exciting phase of growth in the Australian market. This is a senior leadership role combining portfolio strategy, project development, commercial decision-making, team leadership and new opportunity origination. The successful candidate will also contribute to wider business strategy as part of the Executive Leadership Team.

The Role

You will take responsibility for the development portfolio, leading projects across the full lifecycle with the support of the subject matter experts across your team.

You will progress the existing portfolio with as well as securing future growth opportunities through greenfield development, partnerships and acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define where and how the renewable energy portfolio grows
• Lead and develop the team responsible for delivering that growth
• Take major projects from early development through to FID
• Oversee project budgets, programmes, risks and key development decisions
• Assess new sites, acquisitions and strategic partnerships
• Navigate planning, grid and regulatory pathways with internal specialists and external stakeholders
• Build strong relationships with government, utilities, landowners and investment partners
• Strengthen development processes and governance as the platform scales
• Provide clear investment recommendations to the executive team and Board

About You

• 10+ years’ experience in Australian renewable energy or large-scale energy infrastructure development
• A proven track record taking utility-scale renewable energy projects through development to FID / financial close
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and bringing together specialists across grid, planning, environment, commercial, engineering and stakeholder engagement
• Strong understanding of the planning and approvals process, including how approvals strategy impacts project programme, risk and investment readiness
• The ability to identify and manage development risks across multiple workstreams and drive projects towards investment-grade maturity
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience contributing to investment decisions, project structuring and development strategy
• Experience overseeing large, complex project portfolios and setting clear priorities across competing development activities
• A credible, commercially minded leader who can operate effectively in a lean, fast-moving organisation and influence senior internal and external stakeholders