Head of Agrivoltaics Europe
Job Title Head of Agrivoltaics, Europe
Department Environmental & Social Planning
Reporting to Director of Environmental & Social Planning
About Lightsource bp
Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects. We are a 50:50 joint venture with bp with a mission to help drive the world’s transition to low carbon energy.
With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years, we are well-positioned to capitalise on this growth. By joining the Lightsource bp team, you will ‘be the change’ on the world’s energy transition to a more sustainable future.
We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit as we continue to push the boundaries of an ever-changing energy landscape. By choosing a career with us, you can expect a challenging and fulfilling role surrounded by people who are passionate and have brilliant ideas about sustainable technology, innovation and making the world a better place.
What You’ll do (the role)
Summary
The Head of Agrivoltaics for Europe will be our Subject Matter Expert in agrivoltaics, leading on the development of guidance and strategies for the development and implementation of utility scale agrivoltaic projects within our European pipeline.
This will include:
- preparing high-level guidance on the opportunities for agrivoltaics in different European countries,
- preparing guidance on the key considerations that need to be addressed in the successful planning of agrivoltaic projects,
- keeping track of advancements in this evolving field,
- providing advice and support on specific projects to country teams and
- working with our Innovation team on agrivoltaic R&D projects.
It is a multidisciplinary role that will require working closely with several departments involved in the successful planning and development of agrivoltaic projects, including business development, environmental planning, engineering, asset management and communications.
The primary focus of this role is developing successful agrivoltaic strategies for Lightsouce bp’s European projects, however there will be opportunities to engage with others in the company working in this field in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions, as well as playing a leading role in Lightsource bp’s internal global Community of Practice for Agrivoltaics.
Duties and responsibilities
- Lead on the development and delivery of Lightsource bp’s agrivoltaic strategies in Europe in collaboration with multiple internal teams.
- Develop high level guidance on the opportunities for agrivoltaics across our European markets
- Build upon existing company level guidance and information on agrivoltaics, to ensure the key considerations project teams need to address are clear,
- Develop and maintain network of actors and partners in connection with the agricultural community and the main areas where Lightsource bp projects are located.
- Monitor and explore agrivoltaic R&D activities within the industry to be across current trends and developments and ensure key updates are shared internally
- Work with the Innovation team on potential R&D projects, particularly around crop based agrivoltaics.
- Lead discussions with other internal teams (primarily Development, Environmental Planning and Engineering) to identify and assess the best options for agrivoltaic systems on projects in development
- Advocate for and encourage the integration of agrivoltaics on Lightsource bp projects.
- Identify solutions to optimise Capex/Opex and deliver knowledge and technical support to relevant teams.
- Work with Asset Management to identify approaches for monitoring performance of operational agrivoltaic installations
- Be the company spokesperson on agrivoltaics topics in Europe and act as reference point to professional associations, public authorities and legislators.
Who we’re looking for
Knowledge
Demonstrable experience of at least 10 years in the agricultural sector or in the development of renewable energy projects in the agricultural sector.
Experience analysing financial models and good understanding of the energy markets.
Qualifications
Higher education in agronomy and/or agriculture would be of benefit.
Why you’ll make a great member of the team
Personal qualities
- Excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable dealing with a wide range of people.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to influence.
- Entrepreneurial and ambitious spirit.
- Solution-driven with strong analytical skills.
- Ability to deliver proposals and strategies.
- Autonomous, pro-active, responsible.
- Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
- Fluent in English and ideally either Italian, French, or German
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 solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.
Be recognized
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension, and other local benefits.
Be inspired
Join an agile, international team working across 15 countries to power the future and positively impact people, communities, ecosystems and biodiversity across the world.
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.