Senior Development Manager

Morson Edge Australia; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Exposure to global platform

Job summary

Morson Edge Australia is seeking an experienced development professional to lead utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System projects from early development through to Ready to Build and Financial Close. You will drive cross-functional collaboration with engineering, procurement, financing and legal teams, ensuring milestones are met and budgets are controlled.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you’ll mentor junior staff, coordinate grid connection activities, and manage site

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in renewable energy or energy storage development within Australia’s National Electricity Market.
• Experience progressing utility-scale projects through planning and grid connection approvals.
• Track record of progressing projects to Ready to Build or Financial Close, with BESS experience highly regarded.
• Familiarity with NSW planning and environmental approval pathways, including State Significant Development and EPBC processes.
• An understanding of grid connection requirements, Generator Performance Standards and engagement with network service providers and AEMO.
• Commercial awareness across land negotiations, project economics, development budgets and financing.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• An Australian driver’s licence and willingness to travel to regional project sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development of utility-scale BESS projects, including project scope, schedules, development budgets and risk management.
• Support land acquisition, tenure negotiations, planning approvals and environmental assessments, and site origination or prospecting activities.
• Coordinate grid connection activities in collaboration with network service providers, technical advisers and internal teams.
• Work across engineering, procurement, offtake, financing, legal and commercial workstreams to support project progression.
• Prepare project updates, investment papers and recommendations for senior leadership and Investment Committees.
• Monitor development budgets, schedules, risk registers and key project milestones.
• Support financial close activities, including lender due diligence and financing requirements.
• Coordinate project handover to construction, ensuring scope, approvals, contracts and budgets are clearly managed.
• Provide guidance and support to Development Managers and multidisciplinary project teams.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Grid connection

Project development

Leadership

Travel willingness

Australian driver’s license

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

About the Company

An exciting opportunity to join a growing renewable energy platform backed by a global investment and asset management group. With a pipeline of more than 1GW of utility-scale energy storage projects across Australia, the business is playing an important role in supporting the country’s energy transition.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you’ll be involved in progressing utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects from early-stage development through to Ready to Build, Financial Close and handover to Construction. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, you’ll help coordinate key project activities while balancing commercial, technical and investment considerations. You’ll have direct responsibility for one or possibly two development projects, as well as helping guide and mentor junior team members. This is a great opportunity for an experienced development professional looking to take ownership of meaningful projects, work with a collaborative team and contribute to the continued growth of Australia’s energy storage sector.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development of utility-scale BESS projects, including project scope, schedules, development budgets and risk management.
• Support land acquisition, tenure negotiations, planning approvals and environmental assessments, and site origination or prospecting activities.
• Coordinate grid connection activities in collaboration with network service providers, technical advisers and internal teams.
• Work across engineering, procurement, offtake, financing, legal and commercial workstreams to support project progression.
• Prepare project updates, investment papers and recommendations for senior leadership and Investment Committees.
• Monitor development budgets, schedules, risk registers and key project milestones.
• Support financial close activities, including lender due diligence and financing requirements.
• Coordinate project handover to construction, ensuring scope, approvals, contracts and budgets are clearly managed.
• Provide guidance and support to Development Managers and multidisciplinary project teams.

Skills & Experience

• 8+ years’ experience in renewable energy or energy storage development within Australia’s National Electricity Market.
• Experience progressing utility-scale projects through planning and grid connection approvals.
• A track record of progressing projects to Ready to Build or Financial Close, with BESS experience highly regarded.
• Familiarity with NSW planning and environmental approval pathways, including State Significant Development and EPBC processes.
• An understanding of grid connection requirements, Generator Performance Standards and engagement with network service providers and AEMO.
• Commercial awareness across land negotiations, project economics, development budgets and financing.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, planning, environmental science, commerce, law or a related discipline.
• An Australian driver’s licence and willingness to travel to regional project sites as required.

Benefits

Sydney-based role with flexible hybrid working arrangements. Involvement across the project lifecycle, from early development through to financial close and construction. Exposure to a global investment and asset management platform. Exposure to future opportunities across emerging technologies and new project types. A collaborative, growing team with opportunities to build your experience and develop your career.