Senior Business Developer / Originator – Renewable Energies

Senior Business Developer / Originator – Renewable Energies

Milan, Italy

(Hybrid)

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Job Description

Wood is recruiting for a Senior Business Originator to join its Energy Assets & Development team focusing on solar, wind and storage projects. This is an opportunity to join one of the Italian most established renewable energy Project Development teams and help develop renewable energy assets. The position will be based in Corsico (Milan) office, with the possibility to work from home up to two days per week. 

Join a culture of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible to seek the best solutions for our clients.  

The Role 

The Senior Originator will lead the Project Development team throughout the full development lifecycle of utility-scale grid-connected solar, wind, and battery storage projects, from greenfield prospecting to construction-ready status. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying and originating new project opportunities, negotiating agreements, and securing necessary permits. They will engage effectively with both external stakeholders (such as law firms, notaries, landowners, public entities, and accountants) and internal stakeholders (including legal, finance, and procurement departments) to ensure smooth project execution and alignment with company objectives. The Senior Originator will also mentor junior team members and contribute to strategic planning efforts to enhance our renewable energy portfolio. 

Our Clients and Projects  

It’s a future for all of us. We aspire to shape a better tomorrow by unlocking solutions that address the biggest challenges facing our clients and our society.  

We have more than 25 years of experience in the development, construction and operation of power plants and waste to energy plants. In the last few years, the Project Development team has been focused on solar and wind technologies, with a strong interest in agro-PV Plants. We are one of the most successful companies in the Italian market, having an important track record of authorized projects and a multi megawatt pipeline of projects under development at different stage. Our commitment is to grow further in the incoming years, strengthening the presence in Italy and opening new offices abroad.            

What we can offer 

Meaningful and interesting projects across renewables and emerging energy sectors; 
Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs offering hybrid working where relevant; 
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business; 
Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market; 
Flexible benefits package: Free shuttle bus from Metro station to the office, company canteen, biannual free medical check-up, free company parking, extra-working accidents insurance;  
Commitment to continued professional development: development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests; 
Global connections: join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession; 

 If all of this sounds good to you, review the typical responsibilities of the role and the requirements of the position below, then follow the link to apply and start your journey with Wood.  

Responsibilities

Lead the origination and development of utility-scale renewable energy projects (solar, wind, battery storage) from initial concept through to ready-to-build status, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
Identify, evaluate, and secure new project opportunities in the renewable energy sector by conducting market research and analysis of site viability
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including landowners, government officials, regulatory agencies, legal counsel, and financial partners to facilitate project progression
Negotiate and finalize contractual agreements, including land rights, option agreements, SPAs  
Prepare detailed financial models and investment analyses to assess project feasibility and optimize funding strategies for renewable energy initiatives
Oversee the entire project development process, managing multiple projects simultaneously while coordinating with various internal teams (legal, finance, engineering) to ensure alignment and efficient delivery
Stay abreast of market trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes in the renewable energy sector to inform strategic decisions and project planning
Interface with external consultants and legal teams to ensure proper documentation and compliance regarding key legal documents, such as land option agreements and SPAs. 
Maintain and update comprehensive databases with insights regarding potential development opportunities, managing project details, stakeholder relationships, and contractual agreements effectively

Qualifications

Please see below the requirements that we typically seek for the position. We are not expecting candidates to have everything, and this is not an exhaustive list. If you feel you have relevant experience and qualifications even if they are not a 100% match, then please do apply.  

Expected 

Regulatory Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the Italian regulatory framework for renewable energy, including understanding of relevant policies, permits, and compliance requirements.  familiarity with regulations in other European countries is a plus
Project Development Experience: Proven track record in successfully originating and managing renewable energy projects (solar, wind, battery storage) from initial concept to ready-to-build status
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial modeling, investment analysis, and funding mechanisms relevant to renewable energy projects
Negotiation Skills: Excellent negotiation skills for securing land rights, and other contractual agreements
Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including landowners, government agencies, legal counsel, and financial partners
Market Awareness: Comprehensive knowledge of market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies in the renewable energy sector
Project Management: Strong project management skills, including the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously and ensure timely delivery
Team Leadership: Experience in leading and mentoring junior team members, fostering a collaborative work environment
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Italian and English; proficiency in additional languages is a plus 
Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess project viability and identify potential risks and opportunities
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with the technical aspects of renewable energy systems and technologies, such as photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and energy storage solutions
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Ability to address and resolve conflicts that may arise during the development process with stakeholders
Proven track record of originating and authorizing renewable energy projects (wind, solar, BESS) up to the ready-to-build status.  
Deep knowledge of key legal documents such as land option agreements, SPAs, lease agreements, land purchase, etc. 
Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) 

Desirable 

+5 years’ experience in the same or similar role 
Ability to effectively network within the renewable energy community and establish connections that may lead to future project opportunities
Knowledge of advanced software or tools relevant to project development, such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for site assessment or project modeling software
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills 
Understanding of Energy Markets 

About Us

Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, helping to unlock solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in 60 countries, employing around 35,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement 

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.