Head of Onshore Development

Job Title: Head of Onshore DevelopmentLocation: Aberdeen/EdinburghReporting to: Onshore Development DirectorNumber of Roles Available: 1Company Overview:Join Great British Energy and be part of powering the UK's Clean Energy Future.At GBE, we're not just building an energy company - we're shaping the future of the UK's energy landscape.Our mission is clear:Drive clean energy deployment across the UK as a strategic developer, investor, and owner of renewable projectsDeliver benefits for communities and taxpayers, ensuring the clean energy transition creates jobs, boosts local economies, and increases public ownershipWe focus on innovation, sustainability, and impact, working on projects that matter - from large-scale national renewable investments to empowering local and community energy initiatives.Joining GBE meansPurpose-driven work Be part of a national effort to accelerate the clean energy transitionCareer growth Opportunities to develop expertise in cutting-edge energy technologies and strategic investmentCollaboration and flexibility Work with passionate professionals in a dynamic, forward-thinking environmentIf you want to make a real difference and help power a greener, fairer future for the UK, GBE is the place for you.We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.About the Role:Great British Energy is looking for a Head of Onshore Development to join our GBE Onshore Energy Team. This role will play a key part in contributing to projects, objectives, and wider organisational goals.The Head of Onshore Development is responsible for leading the origination, development, governance and delivery of a portfolio of Onshore renewable energy projects from site identification through planning consent and Final Investment Decision (FID).The role is accountable for building and leading a multidisciplinary development team, the continuous improvement of development processes, overseeing project governance, and ensuring projects are technically deliverable, commercially viable, consentable and financeable.The postholder acts as the senior owner of the project development portfolio and is responsible for ensuring projects progress safely, efficiently and in accordance with company strategy and governance requirements. This includes managing relationships with landowners, investors, regulators, local authorities, supply chain partners and community stakeholders.Key Responsibilities:Development Strategy & Portfolio LeadershipDevelop and implement the organisation's onshore renewable project development strategy.Build and maintain a pipeline of onshore wind, solar PV and battery storage projects.Lead portfolio prioritisation and resource allocation.Identify new development opportunities through:Greenfield originationPublic land partnershipsAcquisitionsJoint venturesCo-development arrangementsSupport long-term growth strategy and portfolio expansion activities.Project Development DeliveryOversee projects through:Site identificationLand acquisitionGrid connectionEnvironmental assessmentPlanning consentProcurement preparationFinancial Investment Decision (FID)Ensure adherence to project stage-gate governance: Initiation, Feasibility, Development and Definition (FID/FC).Monitor project budgets, programmes and risk registers.Lead interventions on projects that become off-track.Ensure robust project controls and reporting mechanisms are implemented, working with the goal of continuous improvement.Team LeadershipBuild, lead and mentor a high-performing development team, promoting the core behaviours of being Bold, Entrepreneurial, Impactful and Inclusive.Establish development capability, procedures and standards.Recruit and develop key personnel.Promote continuous improvement and industry best practice.Foster a collaborative culture across development, investment, construction and operations teams.Deputise for the Director of Development as required.Commercial & Investment ManagementLead development input into investment cases and governance approvals.Shape commercial structures for projects and partnerships.Oversee project financial models and development expenditure.Support acquisitions and strategic investment opportunities.Ensure development activities support long-term portfolio value creation.Drive a bold, entrepreneurial spirit within the team.Stakeholder & Partnership ManagementBuild strategic relationships with:LandownersPublic sector partnersNetwork operatorsPlanning authoritiesInvestorsGovernment stakeholdersLead community engagement strategy.Represent the organisation at industry and public sector forums.Act as senior escalation point for key stakeholders.Governance, Risk & AssuranceEnsure compliance with development governance frameworks.Maintain portfolio risk management processes.Lead portfolio reporting to Executive, Investment Committee and Board.Ensure compliance with:CDM 2015Planning legislationEnvironmental regulationsGrid connection requirementsCorporate governance requirements, including the Project Governance FrameworkDevelop and maintain portfolio-level KPIs and performance metrics.Development-to-Delivery IntegrationCoordinate handover of projects into construction.Work with the Delivery team to ensure construction readiness prior to FID.Align development activities with delivery and asset management requirements.Promote Safe by Design principles throughout development.Qualifications and Experience:Essential:Experience:Extensive experience in renewable energy project development.Demonstrable experience developing UK:Onshore windSolar PVBattery energy storage projectsSuccessful track record delivering projects through planning consent and FID.Experience leading multidisciplinary development teams.Experience managing complex stakeholder environments.Strong commercial and financial acumen.Experience presenting to boards, investment committees and senior executives.Desirable SkillsDemonstrable knowledge of UK planning for all UK countries.Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) methodologies.Grid connection processes.Land acquisition and option agreements.Renewable energy commercial structures, e.g. CfD, PPA.Project governance frameworks.Public procurement awareness.CDM 2015 requirements.QualificationsDegree in Engineering, Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Property, Energy or related discipline.Project Management qualification (APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent) strongly desirable.Professional / Chartered status desirable:MRTPIMRICSCEnvCEngMAPMPersonal Qualities:Takes ownership, shows confidence in decision-making, and is willing to challenge constructivelyFocuses on delivering meaningful outcomes and making a positive, lasting impactWorks collaboratively, valuing different perspectives and building inclusive relationshipsProactive and adaptable, with a curiosity to explore new ideas and improve ways of workingResilient and resourceful in a fast-paced environmentWhat We Offer:Competitive base salaryPerformance-related bonus schemeExcellent pension scheme4x salary life assuranceGroup income protection38 days annual leaveFlexible working arrangementsOngoing professional development and trainingSupportive, inclusive working environmentHow to Apply:For further information please contact:Robbie NelsonLead Sourcing Close Date: 19th August