Development Manager

NetZero; Italia; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NetZero is recruiting a Development Manager to lead the development of utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and solar PV projects across Italy. The role reports to the Country Manager and requires coordinating with leadership and external stakeholders to move projects from early development through permitting to Ready-to-Build status.

Based in Italy with a predominantly remote setup and periodic visits to Milan, you will shape the development strategy, manage budgets, lead

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience in renewable energy project development (utility-scale BESS and solar PV).
• Proven ability to manage budgets, development pipelines and timelines.
• Strong knowledge of Italian planning, permitting and environmental regulations.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience in leadership, strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Fluency in Italian and English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development strategy and roadmap for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects in Italy.
• Identify new opportunities and support the growth of the project pipeline.
• Manage project budgets, cost control and financial reporting.
• Lead landowner negotiations and coordinate land acquisition, feasibility studies and permitting.
• Build relationships with local authorities, regulatory bodies and financial partners.
• Oversee timelines, monitor RTB progress and manage risks.
• Conduct market analysis and explore opportunities like agrivoltaics.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to progress financing and commissioning.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Project development

Leadership

Strategic planning

Analytical skills

Italian & English fluency

Job description

Are you an experienced renewable energy professional ready to take the lead on utility-scale projects and shape the future of clean energy in Italy?

We’re partnering with a growing international business in the renewable energy sector to recruit a Development Manager to lead the development of utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and solar PV projects across Italy.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strategic thinking, commercial awareness and strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to drive projects from early-stage development through to permitting and Ready-to-Build (RTB) status.

Location: Italy – predominantly remote, with periodic visits to Milan.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Country Manager, you will take ownership of the development strategy and project pipeline, working closely with senior leadership and a broad network of external stakeholders to identify opportunities and deliver projects in line with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development strategy and roadmap for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects across Italy.
• Identify new business opportunities and support the growth of the project pipeline.
• Manage project budgets, cost control and financial reporting.
• Lead negotiations with landowners and coordinate land acquisition, feasibility studies, environmental assessments and permitting.
• Build and maintain relationships with local authorities, regulatory bodies, financial partners and local communities.
• Oversee project timelines, monitor progress towards RTB status and proactively manage risks.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis, including emerging opportunities in areas such as agrivoltaics.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support project financing and progression through to commissioning.

What We’re Looking For

• At least 5 years’ experience in renewable energy project development, specifically utility-scale BESS and solar PV.
• Proven experience managing projects, budgets and development pipelines.
• Strong knowledge of Italian planning, permitting and environmental regulations.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience in leadership, strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical skills and commercial awareness.
• Fluency in both Italian and English, written and spoken.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the chance to take ownership of a nationwide development pipeline, influence strategic decisions and contribute to the expansion of utility-scale renewable energy projects in Italy.