Project Development Manager

Venatu Consulting Ltd; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy consultancy is seeking a Project Development Manager to lead innovative low-carbon heat networks across the UK. This role involves pre-contract development, collaboration with internal teams, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and 2-5 years of experience in the energy sector. Offering up to £70,000 plus benefits, this is a unique opportunity to impact the transition to net zero.

Benefits

Discretionary bonus

25 days holiday plus statutory holidays

Pension plan

Private healthcare scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Electric car lease scheme

Health and well-being support

Ongoing learning opportunities

Qualifications

• 2-5 years' experience in the heat networks, utilities, or wider energy industry.
• Understanding of how energy infrastructure projects are developed and delivered.
• Knowledge of low-carbon energy systems and passion for decarbonisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-contract project development activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure project proposals are deliverable.
• Develop tailored project solutions with external stakeholders.

Skills

Commercial and analytical skills

Proficiency in Excel

Communication skills

Project management

Understanding of energy infrastructure

Education

Degree in engineering or related discipline

Tools

GIS or energy pro software

MS Projects

Job description

Overview

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.

Role details

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)

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.
• Private healthcare scheme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• 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