Senior Project Developer (m/f/d) – Solar & BESS
Location: Hesse or Rhineland-Palatinate
The Opportunity:
Our client is an international Independent Power Producer (IPP) and renewable energy business with a highly successful global track record and multi-gigawatt development pipeline. They are rapidly scaling up their German operations, focusing on the greenfield development of utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
To steer these projects through the critical development phase, they are looking for an experienced Senior Project Developer. This role takes the baton from land acquisition and owns the entire development lifecycle, navigating the complexities of German permitting, municipal approvals, and grid planning to bring utility-scale assets to Ready-to-Build (RTB) status.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the complete development lifecycle of utility-scale Solar PV and BESS projects from land-secured status through to Ready-to-Build (RTB).
- Direct and manage the entire municipal planning process (Bauleitplanung), including the creation of land-use plans (Flächennutzungspläne) and development plans (Bebauungspläne).
- Lead negotiations and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, mayors, municipalities, and regional stakeholders to secure necessary zoning and planning approvals.
- Coordinate external experts, environmental planners, and consultants conducting specialized impact studies (Umweltbericht, Artenschutz).
- Work in close synchronization with internal Grid and Technical Engineering teams to monitor the connection process (Netzanschlussprüfung) and optimize project layouts.
- Prepare projects for participation in the EEG tenders (Ausschreibungen) or support the structuring of private Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
- Drive project risk assessments and budget management, ensuring milestones are met efficiently within specified timelines and regulatory frameworks.
Requirements:
- 3+ years of successful project development experience within utility-scale Solar PV and/or BESS inside the German market.
- Deep knowledge of German planning and environmental legislation (e.g., BauGB, BImSchG, EEG).
- Proven track record of successfully bringing utility-scale renewable projects through the municipal approval process to RTB status.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and presentation skills, able to navigate sensitive local political environments and secure municipal buy-in.
- Native or fluent German (written and spoken) is mandatory; Fluent English.
Please submit your application or send me an email to: [email protected]
