Senior Project Manager - Renewable Energy Projects
Our client is a leading UK-based developer of grid-scale renewable energy and battery energy storage (BESS) projects. Backed by a well-established property and investment group, the business benefits from deep expertise in land promotion, development, and long-term commercial investment, combined with a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects.
The company is actively supporting the UK’s transition to a Net Zero carbon economy by 2050 and manages a substantial and growing portfolio comprising:Over 1.2GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)Approximately 140MW of solar PV projectsAround 670MW of projects already consentedWorking closely with landowners, local authorities, network operators, investors, and supply chain partners, the business brings forward technically robust, commercially viable renewable energy assets. Projects are supported by experienced in-house planning, technical, and commercial teams, alongside best-in-class external consultants.
The Opportunity
Due to continued portfolio growth and an expanding pipeline moving toward construction, the company is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join the team. Reporting to a senior member of the leadership team, this role will take ownership of projects from late-stage development through pre-construction and delivery, with strong involvement in commercial, contractual, and risk management matters.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced renewable energy project professional with a strong grounding in pre-construction and delivery, who is comfortable operating across technical, commercial, and stakeholder interfaces in a stand-alone role based in Bury St Edmunds 3 days a week. The role offers significant autonomy, exposure to senior decision-making, and clear progression potential within a growing and well-capitalised developer.
You will be responsible for managing projects through key gateways including planning, grid, pre-construction, contractor procurement, contract negotiation, and construction delivery, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management & DeliveryLead the end-to-end project management of renewable energy and BESS projects from late-stage development through pre-construction and construction delivery.Establish and manage project programmes, budgets, risk registers, and reporting structures.Coordinate multidisciplinary internal teams and external consultants to ensure timely and efficient project progression.Act as the primary point of contact for projects during pre-construction and delivery phases.Pre-Construction & ProcurementLead pre-construction activities including scope definition, design development, and buildability reviews.Manage procurement strategies for EPC, balance of plant, and key subcontract packages.Prepare and issue tender documentation, manage bid processes, and lead contractor evaluations.Support the transition from development into construction readiness (notice to proceed).Commercial & Contracts ManagementDevelop and maintain strong commercial oversight of projects, including cost planning, cashflow forecasting, and change control.Lead or support the negotiation of key project contracts (e.g. EPC, ICP, O&M, consultant appointments).Work closely with legal and commercial advisors to ensure contracts appropriately manage risk and align with investment requirements.Monitor contractor performance against contractual obligations during delivery.Grid, Planning & Technical InterfacesCoordinate with grid teams, DNOs, National Grid, and ICPs to manage grid connection delivery and programme alignment.Work alongside planning and technical specialists to manage discharge of conditions and compliance with consented schemes.Ensure technical designs align with planning, grid, land, and commercial constraints.Stakeholder & Interface ManagementBuild and maintain strong working relationships with contractors, consultants, landowners, investors, and statutory bodies.Represent the company professionally at project meetings, site inspections, and senior stakeholder forums.Provide clear and concise project updates to senior management and investors.Transaction & Investment SupportSupport project-level due diligence activities for financing, joint ventures, or asset sales.Contribute to data room preparation and technical/commercial inputs for M&A processes.Assist in the successful handover of projects to asset management or operations teams.
About You
Essential Skills & ExperienceProven experience as a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager within renewable energy, energy storage, or related infrastructure sectors.Strong experience across pre-construction and construction delivery phases of complex projects.Sound commercial and contractual awareness, including experience managing budgets, contracts, and contractor performance.Strong understanding of grid connection, planning, and development processes for UK renewable energy projects.Excellent organisational and programme management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently.Confident communicator with strong stakeholder and contractor management capability.Proactive, detail-oriented, and commercially pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
DesirableExperience delivering BESS and/or utility-scale solar projects.Familiarity with EPC and ICP contracting models.Experience supporting project financing, M&A, or asset sale processes.Professional qualification in project management, engineering, surveying, or a related discipline (e.g. MRICS, MAPM, PMP).
Why Join?
Join a high-growth renewable energy developer at the forefront of the UK energy transition.Work on a diverse, nationally significant portfolio of solar and energy storage projects.Play a pivotal role in taking projects from development into construction and operation.High levels of responsibility, autonomy, and visibility within the business.Collaborative, professional, and forward-thinking working culture with clear long-term career progression.
Summary
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced renewable energy Senior Project Manager to join a well-capitalised and ambitious developer at a critical stage of growth. You will play a central role in delivering high-quality renewable energy projects that contribute meaningfully to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.
About Us
Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.
Inclusive Application Process
Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.