Senior Development Manager

<p><b>Department:</b> Development UK &amp; ROI</p> <p><b>Location:</b> Northern Ireland (Belfast highly preferred) or Republic of Ireland</p> <p> </p> <p><b>About Lightsource bp</b></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.</p> <p> </p> <p><b>What You’ll do (the role)</b></p> <p><b>Summary</b></p> <p>In this role, you’ll bring the necessary expertise and relevant industry contacts to contribute to the rapid growth of our UK and Ireland Development operations, with a special focus on Ireland and Northern Ireland.</p> <p>You will autonomously manage a pipeline of projects from an early stage through to financial close, ensuring they are bankable and ready for investment in line with business targets. Alongside project development, you’ll manage, create and update processes that benefit the team and business, taking initiative to improve Lightsource bp’s efficiency, productivity and competitive edge.</p> <p> </p> <p><b>Duties and responsibilities</b></p> <ul> <li>Drive development and close transactions in a well-forecasted, timely manner that exceeds Lightsource bp’s margin requirements by coordinating different workstreams and internal departmental resource: planning, PPA, technical, commercial engineering, procurement, legal, grid, and delivery</li> <li>Bridge the relationship with all relevant stakeholders including DNO, landowners, TA, EPC and ICP and internal resource to ensure competent negotiations on land rights, deeds, permits, DNO offers, planning, construction contracts and PPA where required.</li> <li>Oversee projects effectively – leading meetings and communications and directing stakeholders to ensure maximum efficiency. This requires a high level of action-orientated, clear communication at all times, including weekly and monthly meetings/reporting to peers, project team and Executives</li> <li>Run financial models and use price indicators to negotiate commercial terms which meet Lightsource bp’s margin requirements.</li> <li>Regularly update and provide clear forecasting of project cashflows in line with budget forecasts.</li> <li>Liaise with all relevant stakeholders to obtain the information required to independently write and present formal budget requests to Executive Management Committee and Investment Committee.</li> <li>Understand and negotiate solutions to property reports involving legal team where necessary.</li> <li>Understand and negotiate commercial issues in ICP and EPC contracts supporting the delivery and construction team where necessary.</li> <li>Represent Lightsource bp at community and company events, conveying our business and development acumen in a professional manner while enforcing company strategies.</li> <li>Provide proficient line management to up to 1-2 staff members as required, including regular 1-2-1’s, appraisals and setting personal development goals</li> <li>Provide timely market intelligence (projects, trends, competitors’ activities)</li> </ul> <p>In addition, the Employee will engage in other activities in the APAC region.</p> <p> </p> <p><b>Who we’re looking for</b></p> <p><b>Knowledge</b></p> <ul> <li>Strong breadth of knowledge across full solar development life cycle</li> <li>Knowledge of Option to Lease/ land rights agreements is essential</li> <li>Understanding of grid &amp; knowledge/relationships with UK DNOs is essential</li> <li>Understanding of project finance and financial modelling terms</li> <li>Strong written and verbal English language</li> <li>Understanding of renewables industry, energy and environmental issues in UK and EU</li> <li>Reasonable understanding of Private Wire and Corporate PPAs</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><b>Qualifications</b></p> <ul> <li>Degree in related discipline desirable</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><b>Experience</b></p> <ul> <li>Minimum 5 years’ experience in solar development</li> <li>Strong track record of closing deals and contracts</li> <li>Developing and managing work-related projects, deadlines and resources across cross-functional teams is a must</li> <li>Experience in M&amp;A is beneficial</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><b>Education</b></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in related discipline</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><b>Why you’ll make a great member of the team</b></p> <p><b>Personal qualities</b></p> <ul> <li>Team player with ability to forge long term professional relationships wit