Project Development Manager

RH Recruiting Limited; Bristol, Carlisle, Sheffield, London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A clean energy organization is seeking a Project Development Manager to deliver innovative low-carbon heat networks across the UK. With a competitive salary of up to £70k, this role involves leading project development, engaging with stakeholders, and analyzing energy infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering, strong project management skills, and a passion for decarbonization. This position offers excellent benefits and the chance to contribute significantly to sustainable energy systems.

Benefits

Discretionary bonus

25 days holiday

Pension plan

Electric car lease scheme

Health and well-being support

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2–5 years’ experience in heat networks or utilities.
• Understanding of energy infrastructure development.
• Knowledge of low-carbon energy systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-contract project development activities.
• Focus on densification of live projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams for robust proposals.
• Engage with external stakeholders for tailored solutions.

Skills

Project management

Commercial skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Education

Degree in engineering or related discipline

Tools

MS Projects

GIS or energy pro software

Job description

Salary/Rate: £65k - 70k per year + package

Are you ready to shape the future of clean energy? We’re looking for a driven Project Development Manager to join our growing team and deliver innovative low-carbon heat networks across the UK. With a salary of up to £70k plus excellent benefits, this is your chance to play a key role in the UK’s transition to net zero while developing your career in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Project Development Manager
Location: Flexible home-based with offices in London, Carlisle, Sheffield, Bristol. National travel to sites required.
Department: Business Development
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £70,000 (commensurate with experience)

We are seeking a Project Development Manager to help shape and deliver some of the UK’s most innovative low-carbon energy projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing organisation working at the forefront of the transition to net zero, developing, expanding, and operating heat networks that provide clean, affordable energy to communities, towns, and cities.

Reporting to the Head of Project Development, you will support projects from the early stages of feasibility through to commercial close, while also driving densification—the expansion and optimisation of existing heat networks to maximise their potential.

This role suits someone with strong technical and commercial skills who is comfortable working across multiple disciplines, engaging with clients and stakeholders, and who is motivated by the challenge of delivering complex, impactful energy infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on pre-contract project development activities, moving opportunities from initial concept to commercially and technically viable proposals.
• Focus on densification of live projects—identifying opportunities to expand networks, connect additional customers, and integrate low-carbon heat sources.
• Undertake heat mapping, master planning, technoeconomic modelling, and optioneering exercises.
• Analyse and interpret technical, commercial, contractual, and regulatory information to identify risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams (design, estimating, operations) to ensure project proposals are deliverable and commercially robust.
• Work with external stakeholders, including clients, contractors, consultants, and local authorities, to develop tailored project solutions.
• Contribute to feasibility assessments, risk registers, project bids, and funding applications such as the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF).
• Support wider decarbonisation strategies, helping projects transition from gas-based systems to sustainable, low-carbon alternatives.

Candidate Profile

• 2–5 years’ experience in the heat networks, utilities, or wider energy industry.
• Degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with high proficiency in Excel.
• Understanding of how energy infrastructure projects are developed and delivered (from feasibility through to operations).
• Knowledge of low-carbon energy systems and a genuine interest in decarbonising UK heat supply.
• Comfortable interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and digital—capable of working with clients, engineers, contractors, and suppliers.
• Self-motivated, well-organised, and able to manage tasks independently while contributing to a collaborative team.

Desirable skills include experience with GIS or energy pro software, MS Projects, and project management tools.

What We Offer

• Salary up to £70,000 plus discretionary bonus.
• 25 days holiday plus statutory holidays (with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days).
• Pension plan.
• Electric car lease scheme.
• Health and well-being support.
• An inclusive culture that promotes diversity.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Company laptop/PC and equipment.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and ambitious individual to play a key role in the delivery of large-scale, low-carbon heat networks across the UK. If you are excited by the challenge of building the energy systems of the future, we would love to hear from you.