Head of Project Development

Darwin Recruitment; Bayern; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a Head of Project Development for Germany to lead the greenfield Solar PV and BESS portfolio from origination through RTB. You will direct the development strategy, manage the full lifecycle, and coordinate with engineering, legal, finance and stakeholders.

Fluent German and strong English, deep knowledge of the German market, and a proven RTB track record are essential for this leadership role. This international platform offers long-term growth and impact.

Qualifications

• Experience in utility-scale Solar PV and BESS development.
• Track record of taking projects through the development lifecycle to RTB.
• Strong knowledge of the German planning, permitting and grid-connection processes.
• Experience negotiating land rights and development agreements.
• Experience leading project development teams.
• Solid understanding of project economics and investment considerations.
• Extensive network in the German renewable energy market.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Fluent German and proficient English communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of utility-scale greenfield Solar PV and BESS projects across Germany.
• Manage the full project development lifecycle from site identification to RTB.
• Identify land opportunities, negotiate with landowners and establish development agreements.
• Oversee planning applications, permitting, environmental assessments and regulatory approvals.
• Manage grid-connection processes and relationships with DSOs and TSOs.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of bankable renewable energy projects.
• Lead, mentor and develop the project development team.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, legal, finance and technical departments.
• Manage external consultants, development partners, local authorities and stakeholders.
• Assess feasibility, development budgets, commercial risks and investment opportunities.
• Work with senior management to define and execute the company's German development strategy.

Skills

Renewable energy project development

RTB expertise

German market knowledge

Land rights negotiations

Team leadership

Project economics

Stakeholder management

German-English bilingual

Job description

Head of Project Development - Solar PV & BESS (m/f/d)

Germany | Utility-Scale Renewable Energy

I’m currently working with an established international renewable energy developer who is looking to appoint a Head of Project Development to lead and drive its growing greenfield development portfolio across Germany.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the development strategy for utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, managing the full development lifecycle from initial site origination through to Ready-to-Build (RTB).

The business has an established international presence across multiple European markets, a strong track record in solar energy and ambitious plans to expand its renewable energy and storage portfolio.

They are now looking for an experienced development leader who can combine strategic direction with hands-on project development expertise.

The Role

As Head of Project Development, you will take overall responsibility for the German development pipeline, leading projects from greenfield origination through to RTB.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of utility-scale greenfield Solar PV and BESS projects across Germany.
• Managing the full project development lifecycle, from initial site identification and feasibility through to permitting and RTB.
• Identifying and securing suitable land opportunities, negotiating with landowners and establishing development agreements.
• Overseeing planning applications, permitting processes, environmental assessments and regulatory approvals.
• Managing grid connection processes and relationships with relevant DSOs and TSOs.
• Developing and maintaining a strong pipeline of bankable renewable energy projects.
• Leading, mentoring and developing the project development team.
• Coordinating with internal engineering, legal, finance and technical departments.
• Managing external consultants, development partners, local authorities and other key stakeholders.
• Assessing project feasibility, development budgets, commercial risks and investment opportunities.
• Working closely with senior management to define and execute the company’s German development strategy.

What They’re Looking For

• Significant experience in renewable energy project development, ideally within utility-scale Solar PV and BESS.
• A proven track record of developing greenfield projects through the development lifecycle and successfully achieving RTB status.
• Strong knowledge of the German renewable energy market, including planning regulations, permitting and grid connection processes.
• Experience securing land rights, negotiating with landowners and managing development agreements.
• Previous experience leading or managing project development teams.
• Strong commercial understanding of project economics, feasibility assessments and investment considerations.
• An established network of contacts across the German renewable energy market.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Fluent German and good English communication skills.

Experience across both utility-scale PV and BESS would be particularly advantageous.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Leadership responsibility: Take ownership of the German project development function and its future growth.
• International platform: Join an established renewable energy business operating across multiple European markets.
• Solar & Storage: Work across two of the most important growth areas within the energy transition.
• End-to-end development: Have genuine ownership of projects from initial origination through to RTB.
• Strategic influence: Work closely with senior management and directly influence the company’s German development strategy.
• Long-term opportunity: Join a business with ambitious expansion plans and a strong commitment to renewable energy.