Development Manager

Job Description Summary: The Development Manager will play a pivotal role within Nadara’s Growth function, leading the origination and delivery of renewable energy projects across the UK. The role is responsible for identifying, securing, and advancing new development opportunities through to ready‑to‑build status, while ensuring commercial optimisation, stakeholder alignment, and adherence to Nadara’s strategic, environmental, and HSQE objectives. Job Description: Key Responsibilities Project Origination & Pipeline Growth Identify, originate, and evaluate new greenfield, acquisition, and co‑development opportunities aligned with Nadara’s growth strategy Leverage industry networks to generate and support a robust pipeline of renewable energy projects Undertake early‑stage feasibility assessments, including site identification, constraints analysis, and high‑level commercial review Land & Commercial Alignment Work closely with the Land team to negotiate, review, and progress land agreements (options, leases, exclusivity arrangements) Ensure alignment between land strategy and development objectives to enable efficient project progression Provide development input into commercial structures for co‑development agreements and acquisitions Project Development & Delivery Manage projects through all development phases, from early‑stage concept through to ready‑to‑build status Optimise programme, budget, and risk to ensure efficient and successful delivery Secure key consents and agreements, including grid connections, planning permissions, aviation clearances, and other regulatory approvals Stakeholder & Community Engagement Work closely with the Community team to develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies and build relationships with local authorities, communities, and consultees Proactively manage community and council support, addressing concerns and mitigating risks Planning & Consenting Lead the preparation and submission of planning applications with internal teams and external consultants Manage appeals processes where required and oversee timely discharge of planning conditions Consultant & Partner Management Appoint and manage external consultants (e.g., environmental, planning, technical, grid) to achieve high‑quality outputs aligned with project objectives Manage development partners and third‑party consultants in line with contractual agreements Health, Safety & Governance Ensure compliance with Nadara’s HSQE policies and industry standards across all project activities Promote a safety culture, effectively managing consultants and contractors Maintain robust reporting, governance, and internal alignment throughout the project lifecycle Key Requirements Experience & Knowledge Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning, or a related discipline Typically 4–7 years’ experience in renewable energy development Experience progressing projects through planning and consenting stages Strong understanding of UK planning systems, grid processes, and regulatory frameworks Good knowledge of the commercial, environmental, and technical aspects of renewable energy development Skills & Competencies Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills Commercial awareness with the ability to contribute to negotiations and deal structures Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment Strong problem‑solving capability and sound judgement Well‑organised with attention to detail Network & Industry Engagement Established or developing network within the renewable energy sector Proactive approach to identifying opportunities and supporting pipeline growth Other Requirements Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools Willingness to travel for site visits and stakeholder engagement Ability to work effectively across regions and with diverse stakeholder groups Desirable Experience across multiple renewable technologies (e.g., wind, solar, storage) Exposure to co‑development or joint venture structures Chartered status (or working towards) in a relevant discipline What Success Looks Like Delivery of a high‑quality and scalable renewable energy project pipeline Efficient progression of projects to ready‑to‑build status Strong collaboration with internal teams (including Land and Community) and external stakeholders Commercially sound development outcomes aligned with Nadara’s growth strategy Location: Edinburgh Time Type: Full time Worker Subtype: Regular #J-18808-Ljbffr