Head of Development, UK - #1707740

Job Summary

As the leader of the UK development team, this role has responsibility for advancing all aspects of Cubico’s UK renewable energy development business and managing the team. This role represents an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of the UK business. Based in Manchester, the role will report to the Head of Northern Europe with a functional reporting line to the Head of Development.

The successful candidate will manage the development team (15 FTEs) to drive the growth of the UK development business. The team is tasked with advancing the c. 500MW development portfolio, whilst significantly growing the pipeline through the origination of new schemes. Cubico has an extensive UK feasibility pipeline, so the successful delivery of projects into the development portfolio will be a high priority.

Core activities for the team include site identification; securing of project and easement land; assessment of environmental constraints and management of all requisite studies; planning and permitting and any land related matters; securing grid connections; and representing the company with the relevant authorities, landowners and other key stakeholders. Cubico will use third party consultants to assist with the various activities.

You will also lead the development team’s support of the central transactions team to support with the evaluation of development acquisition opportunities and the commercialisation of projects post-consent, including PPA origination, procurement and financing.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing leadership and direction on all aspects of project development, working with the Country Head to review and update the UK development strategy and business plan as needed.
• Leading and managing the UK Development Team including recruitment, development and retention of personnel.
• Driving the growth of the development pipeline through identifying greenfield opportunities, entering partnerships and / or through acquisition of development project rights to meet growth targets.
• Working within Cubico’s overall project delivery framework, implementing robust and efficient processes for the whole development lifecycle (from site identification to financial close)
• Leading the UK team to deliver on development programmes for all projects to ensure that budgets and timeframes are met, and quality is optimised with a view to maximising long term project returns.
• Being accountable for development portfolio reporting.
• Working with the Engineering, Technical, Legal and Commercialisation teams to ensure the best commercial outcome for projects, including site layouts, technology choice, design requirements etc.
• Managing and maintaining a diverse range of external and internal stakeholder relationships, including public consultations, negotiation and finalisation of property agreements, etc.
• Ensuring portfolio risk registers are maintained and proactively managed. Identifying and managing project risks and solutions for coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactively engaging with market, planning and grid reform discussions, ensuring that Cubico is an active voice in the various consultations that are taking place.

Person Specification:

Experience

• Experience in leadership of a development team, including motivating, developing and directing the group towards assigned objectives.
• Significant professional experience in development of energy projects, with a deep knowledge of the wind and solar development process in the UK.
• Ideally experience of managing wind and solar projects through both TCPA and NSIP planning approvals.
• Proven track record of originating and delivering projects successfully.
• Strong network of industry contacts from which to generate investment or development opportunities.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Knowledge

• Appropriate Bachelor’s / Master’s degree or relevant qualification.
• A good understanding of the UK energy industry, with a particular focus on renewable energy, including site assessments, project economics, resource assessments and renewable energy and storage technologies and their drivers. This will include a detailed understanding of the various relevant market reform activities underway and their associated impact on renewables development.
• In depth experience of the renewable energy project development process from inception to construction of a project, including site selection, understanding of the site constraints, community and landowner engagement, permitting and network connection activities.

Skills

• Strong communication skills – including both verbal and written.
• A structured approach to management and a leadership style that leads by example.
• Demonstrates a critical approach and is motivated, bright and personable.
• Proactive and pragmatic with a positive attitude and can-do approach.
• Enthusiastic and able to take ownership of problems and provide solutions.

About Cubico Sustainable Investments

Established in 2015, Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico), a London-headquartered firm, is one of the world’s leaders in providing renewable energy across the Americas, Europe and Australia. Owned equally by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and PSP Investments, two of the world’s largest pension funds with over USD300 bn under management, Cubico is committed to a long-term growth strategy designed to make it one of the largest and best in class renewable energy investors in the world.

Cubico holds a portfolio of around 12 GW, with assets across the wind, solar PV, solar thermal and transmission line technologies. Covering the whole energy chain from development and construction to operation, the company’s portfolio is located across 9 countries: Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, the United States (USA), Greece, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia.

Cubico is driven by six core values: Diversity, Respect, Integrity, Value Creation and Excellence, which make up the final value DRIVE. These values encourage employees to take pride and satisfaction in their work, strive to achieve their goals and go the extra mile to attain outstanding results, whilst acting with the upmost integrity and behaving ethically in the course of their employment. Cubico’s employees are central to its success and, as a result, the company looks for people who believe in its purpose, will take full account of its impact and are motivated to make a positive contribution to communities and the environment and build a better future.

As part of Cubico culture and values, we embrace diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building talented teams that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented minority groups.