Head of Business Development, UK and Ireland

Lightsource bp; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company seeks a Head of Business Development for UK & ROI to lead its business development team. The role involves driving strategic direction and originating projects in solar and renewables while supervising development activities and negotiations. Candidates must have senior management experience in multi-million revenue businesses, particularly in renewables, along with a master's degree or MBA. Exceptional communication skills and a proven track record in closing deals are essential.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Pension plan

Local benefits

Qualifications

• Experience leading development activities in solar or renewables.
• Ability to drive strategic development in a fast-growing market.

Responsibilities

• Lead the business development team for the UK and Ireland.
• Drive strategic direction for the company in the region.
• Originate and supervise development opportunities.
• Lead negotiations with external consultants.

Skills

Senior management experience in renewables

Strong track record of closing deals

Fluent in English

Analytical thinker

Education

Master’s degree or MBA

Job description

Job Title: Head of Business Development for UK & ROI

Department: Business Development

Reporting to: Director of Development Northern Europe

Location: London, UK

About Lightsource bp

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large‑scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.

Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long‑term sustainable growth and energy security.

Lightsource bp (LSbp) was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What You’ll do (the role)

• Lead the business development team responsible for the business and project development activities in both UK and Ireland.
• Drive the strategic direction for Lightsource bp in the UK and Ireland.
• Originate and supervise the development of greenfield, co‑development and M&A opportunities through to completion, working in close cooperation with the internal legal, technical and planning teams, with a specific focus on greenfield activities in the UK.
• Lead commercial negotiations liaising with external consultants and advisors (if necessary).
• Work collaboratively with the Structured Finance, Grid, Power Markets and EPC/Procurement teams to bring projects to financial close.
• Identify and develop new opportunities for growth in core and related areas (storage, hybridisation, green hydrogen, agrivoltaics etc.).
• Lead in the preparation and presentation of materials for the relevant internal investment committees.
• Act as LSbp country representative for relevant stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Participate in relevant industry forums on behalf of LSbp, proposing/defending LSbp position on each relevant industry matter.

Who we’re looking for

EXPERIENCE

• Senior management experience in multi million revenue business – leading development activities in solar development or renewables.
• Significant experience in the UK (and preferably Ireland).
• Brought multiple projects to completion on time and budget.
• Experienced in both greenfield and acquisition of pipelines in the UK (and preferably Ireland)
• Ability to drive strategic development in a fast‑growing market leading organisation.
• Strong and successful track record of closing deals in the renewables spectrum.
• Fluent in English.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree, MBA or other relevant field, preferred, preferably with some financial qualifications or training – a strong understanding of budgeting and financial planning is essential as this role involves agreeing annual budgets as well as producing financial reports.

Why you’ll make a great member of the team

Personal qualities

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to influence key stakeholders in the business, winning support to execute investment proposals
• Exceptionally well organised and driven by success
• Ability to thrive in high‑pressure situations
• Outstanding commercial and negotiating skills
• Analytical thinker with superior problem‑solving skills
• Solid history of data‑driven strategic development
• Uncompromising integrity and work ethic
• Decisive and committed
• A natural leader who inspires and motivates those around them

Why you’ll want to work for us

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow – a place where your ideas and opinions matter.

Be you

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.

Be responsible

Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.

Be recognised

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension, and other local benefits.

Be inspired

Join an agile, international team working across 15 countries to power the future and positively impact people, communities, ecosystems and biodiversity across the world.

Our core values

Lightsource bp operates with five core values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive. We seek to attract and hire individuals who share our commitment to creating a safe workplace, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and demonstrate respect for colleagues, communities, and the environment. Our recruitment process promotes sustainability by valuing long‑term growth and responsible practices, while seeking candidates with the drive to innovate and lead in the global energy transition. Together, these values shape how we engage, assess, and welcome talent to join us in delivering transformational solar power solutions worldwide.