​Job Title: Project Development Director - Solar PV

Location: France (Remote)

The business is seeking an experienced Project Development Director (PDD) in France who can lead all project development activity, including land acquisition and permitting. Ideally, the candidate will also, at least initially, be able to lead IPU engagement/PPA negotiation in the region.

As the most senior employee in the region, this person is expected to grow a team of land acquisition/permitting, sales and project management professionals around them. Once the French team is set up and operating successfully, there is potential for the PDD to officially transition to a Country Head position.

Working closely with Land Screening Associates, Land Acquisition Directors, Sales functions and the Chief Development Officer, the PDD will be an experienced 'all-rounder' who can lead in each aspect of a project's development. The critical phases of development which the PDD will need to lead are:

Securing appropriate land parcels under lease

Co-leading a team of Land Screening Associates (with the Chief Development Officer) to filter and select land parcels which are most appropriate for renewable energy development.

Secure Power Purchase Agreements for the sale of power

In addition, engage Industrial Power Users to secure long-term PPA contracts for the sale of power from projects. Whilst a Sales Team will be recruited to carry out this function, the PDD will have the capability to (and indeed will) lead this engagement until the team is fully scaled.

Facilitate the planning and procurement processes

Eventually, these functions will be carried out by dedicated Project Management/Planning professionals, but the PDD should have a deep understanding of how these processes work so that they can oversee and provide leadership and mentoring to these work streams.

Experience & Core Skills

To perform this role optimally, a candidate will have an exceptional understanding of the:

• Land acquisition/securing process within France, for renewable energy (preferably solar)

• Regulatory, planning and consent constraints/considerations for renewable energy development in France

• In addition, the cable route permitting process in France

• Grid connection/permitting process in Germany

• Furthermore, commercial levers of a private wire PPW contract

A candidate should have a deep understanding of the land transaction process and the wider market. They should also be able to oversee the scrutiny analysis of land parcels conducted by the Associates who are providing them with acquisition targets, ensuring that the company is only targeting viable/promising development opportunities.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Land acquisition in France - Demonstrable experience/track record as a land transaction/renewable energy project development professional in France including negotiating with landowners

• Furthermore, Contractor network - A strong network of land agents (if applicable) and technical advisors

• Transaction documents - Extensive knowledge of transactional documents associated with land acquisition

• Planning/consenting - Experience taking projects through planning/consenting processes successfully

• Resources and software knowledge - Knowledge of all available planning resources/software used to assist development processes

• PPA structures - Commercial familiarity with IPU electricity procurement structures/options

• Sector knowledge - Understanding of the renewable energy development sector including the associated commercials of solar projects

• CRM experience - Management of an e2e CRM system

• Communication - Strong communication skills will be essential for success in this role

• In addition, French and English - Fluency

• Lastly, A network of IPU relationships - considered beneficial but not essential

In conclusion, be part of an organisation to drive the renewable energy revolution and contribute to a sustainable future.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role to Harry Moncur (harry.moncur@greenrecruitmentcompany.com)