Senior Development Manager

Lead the origination, development, and consenting of utility-scale solar PV and battery storage (BESS) projects from early-stage site identification through to fully consented, investment-ready, and ready-to-build status. The Senior Development Manager will take ownership of complex projects, provide strategic oversight across the development portfolio, and play a key role in mentoring and guiding the wider development team. 

• Lead the identification, assessment, and prioritisation of new solar PV and BESS opportunities using GIS mapping tools, feasibility studies, energy yield assessments, and financial modelling.
• Oversee project viability analysis including budgets, cash flow forecasting, and risk-adjusted returns to inform investment decisions.
• Proactively engage with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), transmission operators, planning authorities, land agents, and industry bodies to identify and unlock development opportunities.
• Provide senior input and challenge to site origination proposals developed by other team members.
• Support the creation and refinement of the company’s development pipeline strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.

• Take end-to-end responsibility for the development of complex, high-value projects through land acquisition, planning, and grid connection stages.
• Lead negotiations with landowners, agents, and legal advisers to secure land rights and commercial agreements on optimal terms.
• Oversee and direct external consultants (planning, environmental, grid, engineering, legal) to ensure high-quality outputs and timely delivery.
• Manage grid connection strategies and applications, engaging directly with network operators to optimise outcomes and mitigate constraints.
• Act as the senior point of contact for external stakeholders including local authorities, statutory consultees, system operators, and community stakeholders.
• Lead stakeholder consultation strategies and ensure effective community engagement in support of planning outcomes.
• Maintain full ownership of project budgets, cash flow forecasting, and cost control, providing clear reporting to senior management.
• Identify, manage, and report development risks and opportunities, escalating key issues and recommending mitigation  strategies. Manage the advancement of projects in line with KPIs and company project deliverables on time.

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to Development Managers and other team members, supporting their professional growth.
• Manage and monitor KPIs and project delivery requirements of direct reports to ensure team accountability and deliverability
• Support the development and growth of development managers, project managers, and graduates.
• Contribute to the development of best practices, processes, and standards across the development function.
• Support senior management in strategic decision-making, investment committee inputs, and project approvals.
• Maintain a strong understanding of renewable energy policy, planning frameworks, grid reform, and market developments, advising the business on impacts and opportunities.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and external forums as a senior ambassador for Elgin.
• Promote and exemplify Elgin’s corporate values, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture.
• Support additional duties as required by senior leadership or the Board.

• 5+years’ experience in project development, planning, engineering, consultancy, or a related role within the renewable energy or power sector.
• Proven track record of leading utility-scale solar and/or BESS projects through planning and grid to ready-to-build stage.
• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or a related discipline (Master’s degree desirable).
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in budgets, financial modelling, and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capability, with experience guiding junior team members.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work strategically while maintaining hands-on oversight of project delivery.
• Proactive, adaptable, and collaborative approach with the confidence to operate at senior and executive level.