AU - Development Manager

Mainstream Renewable Power is seeking a Development Manager in Melbourne, Australia, with a relevant degree and over 5 years of experience in renewable energy. The role involves developing renewable energy projects, conducting feasibility studies, and managing stakeholder communications. Key responsibilities include project management, negotiating land agreements, and ensuring compliance with corporate standards. Travel is required regionally and interstate based on project needs.
Summary:
• You need a relevant degree, 5+ years in renewable energy in Australia, knowledge of policies and development processes, strong project management, analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
• You will develop renewable energy projects, conduct feasibility studies, negotiate land agreements, manage stakeholder communications, and ensure compliance with corporate standards.

Department: Development

Job Location: Melbourne, Australia

Reporting to : Head of Development, Australia

Travel Required: Travelling regionally and interstate, depending on project requirements

Company Overview:

A world free of fossil fuels. If you share our vision, then join us on our mission.

This is your opportunity to make a real difference in averting the climate crisis, in an organisation that is at the forefront of the global transition to renewable energy.

Mainstream Renewable Power is a recognised global leader in renewable energy; and the pride we all get from developing, constructing and operating our projects is one reason why we are officially recognised as a Great Place to Work.

Now we are looking for people who can power our progress to a new level. If you want to make a real difference in the world, working with our extraordinary team across six continents, check out our newly created role.

Summary of Role:

The Development Manager will be responsible for delivering a viable pipeline of renewable energy developments in Australia ready for construction. You will play an active role in the full range of development activities from project origination through to the commencement of construction for renewable energy projects including wind, solar PV and battery storage. Activities will cover devising development strategies, assisting in the identification of greenfield development opportunities, securing land tenure, managing the initial site feasibility process, community consultation & stakeholder management and managing project development approvals.

What you will do?

· Provide input to the greenfield renewables development strategy & assist to originate a pipeline via a sound understanding of current market dynamics, such as influence of Renewable Energy Zones, power system planning and other policies.

· Identify and develop renewable energy prospects consistent with the company goals and objectives.

· Develop, maintain and promote the business case for each development project.

· Develop plans for taking sites through their feasibility studies, such as onboarding relevant consultants and contractors for environmental surveys, wind monitoring etc, while utilizing internal and external resources to deliver quality outcomes in accordance with Mainstream’s Global Development Standards, corporate values and processes.

· Deliver assigned tasks on time, budget and to agreed quality.

· Negotiate and secure property agreements with landowner(s) to provide appropriate rights to develop, construct and operate renewable energy facilities.

· Provide support to Head of Development to secure all development consents necessary to build and operate renewable energy facilities where relevant.

· Initiate the early stages of the grid connection process as required.

· Maintain effective communication with all external stakeholders and the project team and prepare and present progress reports to senior management.

· Ensure greenfield project opportunities are developed in accordance with Mainstream’s policies and procedures.

· Participate in community and stakeholder consultation and assist with community information sessions for relevant projects .

· Assist in due diligence assessments for project acquisitions on an ad-hoc basis.

What we require?

· Degree qualified in a relevant discipline

· Significant renewable energy industry experience (5+ years) in Australia

· Demonstrable knowledge of the renewable energy industry, policy and regulations

· Good understanding of the development process including site identification, constraints analysis, grid connection and permitting process in Australia

· Good knowledge of the conceptual design drivers influencing site selection & viability of utility scale renewable energy plant, such as energy resource effects, hub heights & power transmission system export potential

· Knowledge and experience in negotiating and securing land tenure desired, but not essential

· Commercial and technical risk management knowledge

· Good project management skills with experience managing internal and external resources

· Excellent analytical and quantitative skills

· Strong organization and planning skills

· Use own initiative to propose work methodologies and solutions to problems

· Ability and willingness to work effectively independently and in a team environment

· Able to maintain the respect and confidence of team members

· A self-starter with a "can-do" attitude who demonstrates hands-on accountability for their area of responsibility

· Excellent persuasion skills, a good networker and a good negotiator

· Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills

· Ability to use Microsoft software packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook is essential

· Driver’s license required

What we offer?

We offer you the opportunity to work in a dynamic and entrepreneurial organization, in a growing market in a fast-paced industry. You will receive a very competitive total benefits package including an excellent base salary and bonus scheme.

Requirements:
• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline
• Significant renewable energy industry experience (5+ years) in Australia
• Demonstrable knowledge of the renewable energy industry, policy and regulations
• Good understanding of the development process including site identification, constraints analysis, grid connection and permitting process in Australia
• Good knowledge of the conceptual design drivers influencing site selection & viability of utility scale renewable energy plant, such as energy resource effects, hub heights & power transmission system export potential
• Knowledge and experience in negotiating and securing land tenure desired, but not essential
• Commercial and technical risk management knowledge
• Good project management skills with experience managing internal and external resources
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Use own initiative to propose work methodologies and solutions to problems
• Ability and willingness to work effectively independently and in a team environment
• Able to maintain the respect and confidence of team members
• A self-starter with a "can-do" attitude who demonstrates hands-on accountability for their area of responsibility
• Excellent persuasion skills, a good networker and a good negotiator
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
• Ability to use Microsoft software packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook is essential
• Driver’s license required

Responsibilities:
• Provide input to the greenfield renewables development strategy & assist to originate a pipeline via a sound understanding of current market dynamics, such as influence of Renewable Energy Zones, power system planning and other policies.
• Identify and develop renewable energy prospects consistent with the company goals and objectives.
• Develop, maintain and promote the business case for each development project.
• Develop plans for taking sites through their feasibility studies, such as onboarding relevant consultants and contractors for environmental surveys, wind monitoring etc, while utilizing internal and external resources to deliver quality outcomes in accordance with Mainstream’s Global Development Standards, corporate values and processes.
• Deliver assigned tasks on time, budget and to agreed quality.
• Negotiate and secure property agreements with landowner(s) to provide appropriate rights to develop, construct and operate renewable energy facilities.
• Provide support to Head of Development to secure all development consents necessary to build and operate renewable energy facilities where relevant.
• Initiate the early stages of the grid connection process as required.
• Maintain effective communication with all external stakeholders and the project team and prepare and present progress reports to senior management.
• Ensure greenfield project opportunities are developed in accordance with Mainstream’s policies and procedures.
• Participate in community and stakeholder consultation and assist with community information sessions for relevant projects.
• Assist in due diligence assessments for project acquisitions on an ad-hoc basis.