Head of Project Development (m/w/d)

Head of Project Development (Solar PV & BESS)

Location: Hessen or Rhineland-Palatinate (Hybrid)

Industry: Renewable Energy | Utility-Scale Solar PV & BESS

The Opportunity

We are supporting a leading international renewable energy developer in the search for a Head of Project Development to drive the growth of its Solar PV and BESS pipeline across Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate.

This is a key leadership role for an experienced renewable energy professional who combines strong project development expertise with the ability to lead and develop a high-performing team. The position will focus on expanding and advancing a substantial pipeline of utility-scale renewable energy projects, from early-stage origination through permitting and development to Ready-to-Build status.

The role offers the opportunity to lead a team of Project Developers, Land Acquisition Managers and Engineers while remaining closely involved in the day-to-day development of projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and grow a multidisciplinary development team across Project Development, Land Acquisition and Engineering.
• Drive the development and expansion of utility-scale Solar PV and BESS projects throughout Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate.
• Oversee projects from site identification and land securing through permitting and preparation for construction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, municipalities, permitting authorities, grid operators and external stakeholders.
• Support land acquisition strategy and ensure a steady flow of high-quality development opportunities.
• Manage development risks, timelines and budgets across the project portfolio.
• Coordinate closely with technical, environmental, legal and commercial functions.
• Support portfolio growth through strategic project selection and development planning.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on project and pipeline progress.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in renewable energy project development within Germany.
• Strong track record developing utility-scale Solar PV projects, ideally with additional BESS exposure.
• Deep understanding of permitting, planning and development processes in Hessen and/or Rhineland-Palatinate.
• Experience managing stakeholders including municipalities, landowners, authorities and grid operators.
• Previous leadership experience managing Project Developers, Land Acquisition Managers or comparable teams.
• Strong commercial mindset and ability to balance project, financial and strategic considerations.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to support projects directly when required.
• Fluent German and strong English language skills.

Why Join?

• Leadership role with significant influence over the regional development strategy.
• Opportunity to shape and grow a substantial Solar PV and BESS pipeline in Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate.
• High level of autonomy and decision-making responsibility.
• Combination of strategic leadership and hands-on project development.
• Long-term growth opportunities within an expanding renewable energy platform.

Desired Skills and Experience

Proven hands-on project development experience within utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS projects in Germany.

Track record of leading renewable energy projects through the full development lifecycle, from site origination, land securing and permitting through to RTB.

Experience managing and mentoring a small multidisciplinary team, including Project Developers, Land Acquisition Managers and Engineering professionals.

Strong understanding of German permitting processes, planning regulations and stakeholder management.

Experience building and expanding project pipelines while driving projects forward in parallel development stages.

Ability to engage effectively with landowners, municipalities, authorities, grid operators, consultants and external partners.

Strong commercial mindset with experience supporting investment decisions, project valuation and portfolio growth.

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a hands-on approach to project execution.

Experience within both solar PV and BESS development is highly desirable.

Fluent German and professional English required.