General Manager

Novo Executive Search; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy firm is seeking a General Manager for its solar business focusing on strategic growth and expansion across the Midlands. This role encompasses full P&L responsibility, leadership of operations and engineering teams, and developing market strategies. Ideal candidates should possess strong commercial leadership and proven experience in the solar sector. Significant autonomy and progression opportunities are part of this exciting role.

Qualifications

• Exceptional leadership skills in a commercial role within renewable energy.
• Proven experience in the solar sector with relevant customer bases.
• Strong financial and budget management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute growth strategy for solar business.
• Take full P&L responsibility and ensure profitability.
• Build and manage a high-performing engineering team.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Stakeholder communication

Financial acumen

Team building

Strategic growth

Job description

Our client is a privately owned, well-established and diversified renewable energy group with expertise across hydro, wind, solar and energy trading services. Headquartered in Hertfordshire, the business has a proven track record in delivering sustainable energy projects, managing complex operations, and supporting clients on their transition to low-carbon energy solutions.

Our client has recently acquired a solar business with strong growth potential. The company specialises in small commercial and residential rooftop solar developments, with existing clients including schools, councils, care homes, factories, EV charging providers, residential developers, and other small-to-medium enterprises.

Previously operating at revenues of £2 million+, the business shrank under previous ownership leading to its acquisition by our client and is now positioned for significant expansion under new leadership. In the short-to-medium term, the focus is on growing its rooftop solar portfolio across the Midlands and surrounding areas, before scaling nationally based on commercial opportunities. Longer term, the business could diversify into larger commercial solar projects and potentially solar farms, strengthening its presence across multiple solar market segments.

THE ROLE – GENERAL MANAGER, SOLAR

Our client now seeks an entrepreneurial and strategic General Manager to lead and grow the solar business. This role will own the development and execution of a growth strategy to significantly expand the business over the next 3–5 years, starting with the Midlands and building a national footprint.

The General Manager will have full P&L responsibility, with accountability for growth, profitability, and operational excellence. They will also be responsible for building and scaling the engineering team, growing from the current two engineers to around 8–10 engineers with strong utilisation rates as demand increases.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Expansion

• Develop and roll out a robust growth strategy that first targets the Midlands region, then scales nationally.
• Focus on small commercial and residential rooftop solar developments in the short-to-medium term.
• Plan and prepare for longer-term growth into larger commercial solar projects and potential solar farm developments, ensuring the business is positioned to capture opportunities as the business matures.
• Proactively identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities across the target client base, which includes schools, councils, care homes, factories, EV charging infrastructure, residential developers, and other small-to-medium commercial opportunities.
• Take P&L ownership of the solar business, responsible for revenue growth, cost control, and profitability.
• Ensure profitability while maintaining customer satisfaction and installation quality.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team spanning sales, operations, installation, and customer service.
• Develop and expand the engineering team from the current two engineers to approximately 8–10 engineers as demand increases, ensuring strong utilisation rates and operational efficiency.
• Monitor evolving industry regulations, funding schemes, and market trends relating to small-medium scale and larger-scale solar projects.
• Ensure the business remains compliant, competitive, and agile in a dynamic renewable energy landscape.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates will have exceptional commercial leadership skills and a successful track record of operating in a commercial or business leadership position for a comparably sized or larger business in a relevant industry.

Candidates’ experience will also include:

• Proven leadership experience in the solar or broader renewables sector, ideally with expertise in selling into a similar customer base (schools, councils, SMEs, developers, etc.).
• Strategy-driven, with demonstrated ability to grow revenues and profitability within a suitably sized business.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L/ budget management experience.
• Hands-on experience developing and executing regional rollout plans and market entry strategies.
• Commercial expertise in pricing models, contract negotiation, and financing structures.
• Excellent stakeholder communication and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated capability in building and scaling technical teams, with a focus on utilisation, productivity, and high-quality delivery.
• Leadership excellence, capable of building and steering diverse teams through growth phases.
• Familiarity with residential and commercial installation processes, funding incentives, and customer engagement in the solar or related sectors.
• Knowledge of Midlands market and broader UK market.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client is a successful and well-respected business. This is a particularly exciting time for the business as it continues to build on its success through organic growth and acquisitions as well as further developing its capabilities, services and market position.

This key and senior appointment will enjoy significant levels of autonomy. The successful candidate will enjoy a stimulating and rewarding high profile role with genuine progression opportunities.