Head of Development

Taylor Hopkinson; Valencia; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Taylor Hopkinson is seeking a Head of Development in Valencia, Spain to oversee the development of utility-scale renewable energy projects, including Solar and Onshore Wind. You will lead the end-to-end development lifecycle while ensuring projects align with regulatory and environmental standards.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in renewable energy development within Italy’s regulatory framework, possesses strong leadership qualities, and can navigate the complexities of project financing and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in utility-scale renewable energy development (Solar, Wind, and/or BESS) in Italy.
• Strong understanding of Italian permitting processes, grid connection frameworks, and regulatory environment.
• Experience leading or scaling development teams in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full development lifecycle of utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Define and execute the national development strategy.
• Oversee permitting processes, environmental assessments, and grid connection applications.

Skills

Utility-scale renewable energy development

Knowledge of permitting processes

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Fluency in Italian

Fluency in English

Job description

Taylor Hopkinson is supporting a leading international renewable energy platform in the identification of a Head of Development to lead and scale its utility-scale pipeline across Italy. The role is based in Rome and will be responsible for driving end-to-end development activities in Solar, Onshore Wind, and BESS.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full development lifecycle of utility-scale renewable energy projects (Solar, Onshore Wind, BESS) across Italy.
• Define and execute the national development strategy in alignment with broader European expansion plans.
• Oversee permitting processes, environmental assessments, and grid connection applications.
• Manage relationships with TSOs, DSOs, municipalities, regulatory bodies, and key external stakeholders.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing development team in Italy.
• Coordinate with internal investment, engineering, legal, and finance teams to ensure project bankability.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and auction mechanisms to optimise project positioning.
• Ensure projects meet internal investment criteria, risk frameworks, and ESG standards.
• Support M&A activities, including due diligence of development-stage assets and platforms.

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record in utility-scale renewable energy development (Solar, Wind, and/or BESS) in Italy.
• Strong understanding of Italian permitting processes, grid connection frameworks, and regulatory environment.
• Experience leading or scaling development teams in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Solid network within the Italian renewable energy ecosystem (authorities, consultants, land agents, utilities).
• Commercial mindset with strong ability to balance technical, legal, and financial considerations.
• Fluent in Italian and English.
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in project development.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.