VP Development (BESS)

Taylor Hopkinson | Powered by Brunel; London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy developer is seeking a VP Development (BESS) based in London. This high-impact role involves managing the full development portfolio, ensuring optimal project progression, and driving significant growth across Europe. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in utility-scale renewable energy project development, strong leadership skills, and a solid educational background in relevant fields.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in utility-scale renewable energy project development (BESS preferred).
• Experience in European markets.
• Leadership in cross-functional teams in fast-paced settings.

Responsibilities

• Manage grid connections and interface with DNOs & TOs.
• Oversee site finders and landowner relationships.
• Identify planning risks and ensure site layouts consider constraints.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Project management

Negotiation

Contract administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related energy/sustainability field

Job description

Taylor Hopkinson is hiring for a VP Development (BESS), for a London-based renewable energy developer, focusing on the development, investment, and operation of renewable energy projects globally.

Our client's global project pipeline is extensive and rapidly growing, with a strategic focus on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure. Our client aims to develop up to 100 GW of renewable energy capacity and produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Key projects include solar, wind, and hydrogen developments in regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the US.

This role will focus on managing the full development portfolio at every stage of the asset development process, liaising internally with connections, planning, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure sites are developed with the end goal of optimal operational trading from the outset. The role involves solving challenges as they occur and proactively working to ensure smooth and swift project progression to ready-to-build status.

This is a high-impact leadership role with visibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to drive significant growth across Europe.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage grid connections: Interface with DNOs & TOs on connection projects, work with authorities to accelerate connections, manage grid resource internally, attend connection surgeries, request budget offers, assist in formal grid offer preparations, negotiate grid deposits, and ensure optimal outcomes for grid offers.
2. Manage land procurement: Oversee site finders and landowner relationships, sign off on all relevant agreements, support drafting and negotiations with landowners, and maintain strong relationships throughout development.
3. Planning for risks and constraints: Identify planning risks, discuss implications with the planning team, and ensure site layouts consider legal, ground, technical, and landowner constraints.
4. Manage legal risks: Present risks to management, manage and resolve risks, maintain relationships with solicitors and landowners, negotiate agreements, review legal reports, ensure compliance, and manage legal obligations and insurance policies.
5. Site acquisition & disposal: Appraise external site potentials, assist with joint development agreements, manage data rooms, and liaise during due diligence and transactions.
6. Reporting & budgeting: Oversee the development budget, provide monthly updates to management on grid and development progress.
7. Project handover: Produce comprehensive handover documentation upon RTB status and assist delivery teams for smooth transition into construction.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in dynamic, diverse environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple renewable projects from inception to RTB.
• Advanced project management and negotiation skills.
• Contract administration and legal skills.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 7+ years in utility-scale renewable energy project development (BESS preferred).
• Experience in European markets.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
• Leadership in cross-functional teams in fast-paced settings.
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related energy/sustainability field (preferred).

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development