Senior Business Development Manager
Job Title: Senior Development Manager
Department: Business Development Germany
Reporting to: Head of Business Development, Germany
Location: Berlin, Germany
About Lightsource bp
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.
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.
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.
Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.
What you’ll do (the role)
Summary
As a Senior Development Manager, you will play a key role in the origination, development, and delivery of renewable energy projects across Germany, including solar PV, BESS, wind, and hybrid solutions. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, you will lead the development of a portfolio of projects, support junior team members, and collaborate across functions to drive projects from early-stage through to financial close.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead the development of utility-scale solar, wind, BESS and hybrid projects across Germany from origination through to financial close or RTB.
- Take full ownership of a portfolio of in-house developed, co-developed or acquired projects, managing all aspects of the development lifecycle.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, grid, planning, delivery, legal, finance and energy markets to progress project milestones.
- Manage external consultants, advisors and local partners to support land acquisition, permitting, grid applications, and stakeholder engagement.
- Support the preparation and presentation of investment and project materials for internal investment committees and senior management.
- Mentor and guide junior developers within the team, contributing to a high-performance and collaborative team culture.
- Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the origination of greenfield, co-development and M&A opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including landowners, local authorities, transmission operators, and regional industry bodies.
- Stay informed on market and regulatory developments to ensure project strategies remain aligned with German energy policy and Lightsource bp objectives.
- Participate in state-specific industry forums and associations to represent Lightsource bp and help shape market evolution.
Who we’re looking for
Knowledge & Experience
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in renewable energy project development or energy-related infrastructure, ideally with a focus on the German market.
- Proven track record in progressing complex development projects through to RTB or financial close.
- Strong understanding of solar PV and BESS fundamentals, as well as permitting, grid, and land processes in Germany.
- Experience in negotiating land and co-development agreements; familiarity with M&A deal processes a plus.
- High degree of comfort managing multiple workstreams and working cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
- Fluent in both German and English (essential).
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in engineering, business, law or related field preferred.
Why you’ll make a great member of the team
Personal qualities
- Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and drive tasks to completion.
- High level of commercial acumen and analytical thinking.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Capable of influencing internal and external stakeholders to achieve alignment and commitment.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently while also being an active team contributor.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; able to guide junior colleagues and foster a collaborative culture.
- High integrity, work ethic and professional accountability.
Why you’ll want to work for us
Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow, a place where your ideas and opinions matter.
Be you
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.
Be responsible
Our culture is driven by our core values – from operating safely to ensuring our projects are responsible.
Be recognised
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.
Be inspired
Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. These include our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project, or volunteering on our VIBES committee to name a few.
Our core values
Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.