Job Title: Senior Development Manager

Department: Development UK

Reporting to: Head of Business Development UK

About Lightsource bp

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.

Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What you’ll do (the role)

Summary

In this role, you’ll bring the necessary expertise and relevant industry contacts to contribute to the rapid growth of our UK and Ireland Development operations.

You will autonomously manage a pipeline of projects from an early stage through to financial close, ensuring they are bankable and ready for investment in line with business targets. Alongside project development, you’ll manage, create and update processes that benefit the team and business, taking initiative to improve Lightsource bp’s efficiency, productivity and competitive edge.

Core Responsibilities

• Drive development and close transactions in a well-forecasted, timely manner that exceeds Lightsource bp’s margin requirements by coordinating different workstreams and internal departmental resource: planning, PPA, technical, commercial engineering, procurement, legal, grid, and delivery.
• Bridge the relationship with all relevant stakeholders including DNO, landowners, TA, EPC and ICP and internal resource to ensure competent negotiations on land rights, deeds, permits, DNO offers, planning, construction contracts and PPA where required.
• Oversee projects effectively – leading meetings and communications and directing stakeholders to ensure maximum efficiency. This requires a high level of action-orientated, clear communication at all times, including weekly and monthly meetings/reporting to peers, project team and Executives.
• Run financial models and use price indicators to negotiate commercial terms which meet Lightsource bp’s margin requirements.
• Regularly update and provide clear forecasting of project cashflows in line with budget forecasts.
• Liaise with all relevant stakeholders to obtain the information required to independently write and present formal budget requests to Executive Management Committee and Investment Committee.
• Understand and negotiate solutions to property reports involving legal team where necessary.
• Understand and negotiate commercial issues in ICP and EPC contracts supporting the delivery and construction team where necessary.
• Represent Lightsource bp at community and company events, conveying our business and development acumen in a professional manner while enforcing company strategies.
• Provide proficient line management to up to 1-2 staff members as required, including regular 1-2-1’s, appraisals and setting personal development goals.
• Provide timely market intelligence (projects, trends, competitors’ activities).