Head of Project Development (Solar & BESS)

Hunter Philips Executive Search; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy developer is seeking a Head of Project Development to lead a high-performing team in Hamburg, focusing on Solar PV and battery storage projects. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in renewable energy project development, a degree in a relevant field, and strong stakeholder engagement skills. This role offers the autonomy to manage projects from permitting to execution while ensuring compliance with local authorities. Fluency in German and English is required, along with a willingness to work flexibly in Northern Germany.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in renewable energy project development.
• Experience in managing projects through all permitting phases.
• Strong understanding of German permitting frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Project Developers.
• Drive the development of Solar PV and BESS projects.
• Engage with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Budget management

Fluent in German and English

Education

Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or Renewable Energy

Job description

Head of Project Development – Project Development – Solar PV & BESS – Northern Germany

Are you ready to take the next step into a leadership role within renewable energy project development? Are you already managing projects through the full development lifecycle and looking to lead a small, high-performing team? Do you thrive in a hands-on environment where you can combine strategy, execution, and stakeholder management? If so, please read on...

The Company

A forward-thinking renewable energy developer with a strong and growing pipeline of approximately 2+ GW across solar PV and battery storage projects in Germany. With several hundred megawatts already at Ready-to-Build stage, the company combines technical excellence with a collaborative, community-focused approach to delivering utility-scale assets.

The organisation operates with lean structures, short decision-making processes, and a strong emphasis on long-term partnerships with municipalities, landowners, and investors. With continued growth across Northern Germany, the business is now strengthening its development leadership team.

The Role

• Reporting directly to the Management Board
• Leading and mentoring a team of Project Developers and a GIS Specialist
• Driving the hands-on development of Solar PV and BESS projects across Germany, with a focus on Northern regions
• Managing projects through all permitting phases – from early-stage land securing and contract negotiations through to Ready-to-Build
• Engaging with municipalities, local authorities, landowners, and other key stakeholders throughout the full project lifecycle
• Overseeing project budgets, forecasting, invoicing, and structured monthly reporting
• Ensuring all administrative approvals and regulatory requirements are secured on time
• Supporting continuous improvement of internal development processes and standards
• Representing the company at industry events and expanding your professional network
• Supporting financing processes and negotiations to ensure successful project execution for institutional partners

The Person

• Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Renewable Energy, or a related field
• 8+ years of professional experience, including several years in renewable energy project development (ideally solar PV and/or BESS)
• Experience mentoring or leading team members is advantageous
• Strong understanding of German permitting frameworks and coordination with local authorities
• Confident in managing project budgets, forecasting, and reporting tools
• Fluent in German and English, both written and spoken
• Willingness to work flexibly with regular presence in Northern Germany offices

If you are looking for a leadership role that combines operational responsibility with strategic influence, while remaining close to the projects themselves. This opportunity offers autonomy, visibility, and long-term growth within a stable and expanding renewable energy platform.