Senior Project Manager - Solar

Statkraft is Europe's largest generator of renewable energy from hydro, wind and solar power. We have around 6,500 employees in 20 countries. We have been making clean energy possible for over 130 years, with unrivalled expertise in supplying the world with what it needs most. We envision a world that runs entirely on renewable energy.

This role will be fixed term for 12 months to cover parental leave and will be based in our London office (Hybrid Working). Statkraft UK is seeking a highly experienced Senior Project Developer to lead the planning and post-planning / pre-construction phases of ground-mounted solar development projects, including projects with co-located Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The role reports to the Head of Solar UK. This is a hybrid position (London office and home-based), with regular travel across the UK and occasional international travel.

Job Description

You will help to manage the consenting workstream, with the aim of achieving business targets for planning permissions. This is likely to include:

• Manage planning and consenting workstreams across the UK solar portfolio, ensuring commercially viable, deliverable projects progress from initial planning through to construction.
• Support fellow project managers in the development of NSIP (DCO) scale solar projects.
• Coordinate consultations with Local Planning Authorities, national government bodies and statutory consultees.
• Participate in Solar Energy UK (and other relevant industry bodies) consultations, workshops and conferences as required.
• Provide input to, and approve, consenting strategy and design freeze, facilitating collaboration between Development, Technical teams and the Project Delivery Unit.
• Provide project management across the development lifecycle, from Development Gate (DG) 0 (feasibility) through to DG2 (pre-construction) and Final Investment Decision (FID). This will include:
• Oversee external service providers, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and planning consultants, land agents, legal advisors, and technical specialists.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and facilitate community engagement, both internally and externally.
• Collaborate with financial and technical teams to establish an optimal project strategy that accounts for risk assessment.
• Exercise comprehensive accountability for project budgets and schedules.
• Support team members with complex or atypical planning tasks.
• Represent the solar team to senior management and across the wider organisation.
• Identify and recommend process enhancements and increased efficiencies within the Development team.
• Provide regular project progress reports and deliver detailed risk and opportunity analysis to management.
• Conduct market analysis for solar energy and actively contribute to the strategic direction of the UK Solar Development Team.
• Guide and coach junior team members (Assistant Project Managers/Project Managers) through challenging or unusual planning projects.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g., renewables, engineering, town and country planning, or environmental/sustainability studies). Experience in the renewable energy sector (or related fields), ideally including ground-mounted solar, with a track record across development and construction phases. Extensive knowledge of the UK renewable energy market. Knowledge of the NSIP/DCO process is preferred, along with experience working on large-scale renewable projects. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and related applications). Ability to manage multiple projects and relationships simultaneously, including landowners, authorities, advisors and internal stakeholders. Independent self-starter with the ability to manage a high workload and support colleagues’ processes when required. Excellent written, presentation and communication skills. Fluent in English. Willingness to travel (predominantly UK-wide), with occasional international travel. Right to work in the UK. Full UK driving licence.

Additional Information

A career with Statkraft is a career filled with purpose – meaning that every employee is not just making a living, they are making a real difference to the planet, our communities, and the future. With us, you’ll shape a career that is truly forward-facing with many amazing opportunities and offerings to match. This includes:

• An opportunity to work with renewable energy and contribute to a low emission society
• Professional and personal development in an exciting global company
• A working environment characterized by competence, responsibility, innovation and a strong commercial culture
• A diverse workplace with regards to gender, age and cultural background
• Competitive terms of employment and benefit schemes
• Career and learning opportunities at various levels of the organisation
• The chance to grow your career alongside a truly global network of experts, leaders, specialists and graduates from different countries and background

Hybrid working

Statkraft manages critical infrastructure and services in several countries. The applicant must be eligible for security clearance and authorisation. Statkraft's vision is to renew the way the world is powered. To navigate the complex journey ahead, we need every voice at the table. We therefore work actively to be a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome all applicants regardless of background, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnicity, nationality or disability.