Development Manager

Job Title: Development Manager

Department: Development EMEA

Location: London

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)

In this role, you’ll bring the necessary expertise and attitude to contribute to the rapid growth of our UK Development operations. You will autonomously manage a pipeline of solar/co-located solar plus projects from an early stage, 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.

• Drive new business opportunities by working closely with the wider development team and strategic stakeholders to identify opportunities, present for investment and bring through the permitting process by coordinating different workstreams and internal departmental resource: planning, PPA, technical, commercial engineering, procurement, legal, grid and delivery.
• Bridge the relationship with all relevant stakeholders including DNO, landowners,  ICP and internal resource to ensure competent negotiations on land rights, deeds, permits, DNO offers, planning and PPA interactions where required.
• 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
• Run financial models and use price indicators to negotiate commercial terms which meet Lightsource bp’s margin requirements.
• Regularly update and provide clear forecasting of project cashflows in line with budget forecasts.
• Liaise with all relevant stakeholders to obtain the information required to independently write and present formal budget requests to Investment Committees.
• Understand and negotiate solutions to property reports involving legal team where necessary.
• Represent Lightsource bp at community and company events, conveying our business and development acumen in a professional manner while enforcing company strategies.
• Provide timely market intelligence (projects, trends, competitors’ activities)

Who we’re looking for

Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge of Option to Lease/ land rights agreements essential
• Understanding of grid & knowledge/relationships with UK DNOs and National Grid essential
• Understanding of project finance and financial modelling terms
• Strong written and verbal English language
• Understanding of renewables industry, energy and environmental issues in UK and EU
• Reasonable understanding of Private Wire and Corporate PPAs
• Solar experience preferred but minimum 3 years’ experience in wider renewables or infrastructure development
• Developing and managing work-related projects, deadlines and resources across cross-functional teams is a must
• Experience in M&A is beneficial

 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree ideally in sciences, finance or engineering

Why you’ll make a great member of the team

Personal qualities

• Team player with ability to forge long term professional relationships with third parties
• Ability to work autonomously and take initiative to independently problem solve
• Highly adaptable with ability to learn quickly and work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to take the lead in situations that require a strong voice to close issues
• Excellent negotiator and communicator 
• Strong attention to detail
• Full Driving Licence Required – must be willing and able to travel to sites and to London office 

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

Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives.

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.

https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers/