Permanent contract
Location : Milan
Starting date : Asap
Frequent travel / Driving Licence required
WHO WE ARE
Urbasolar is a key French photovoltaic player and pioneer since 2006. We are fully integrated to the AXPO Group, a Swiss based utility with a leading position in energy markets across 30 countries in Europe, Americas, Asia and Africa. Through our solar division, we operate in the development, investment, construction and operation of photovoltaic plants and the supply of green electricity and advanced energy solutions for our customers in Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany and Poland).
Position Overview :
The Head of Project Development in our Italian development platform is a senior leadership position, entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of PV project development activities across Italy. This role requires very good team leadership skills, deep sector expertise, and strategic vision. The ideal candidate will be charged with managing a national team of project managers, actively shaping the company’s development strategy, and representing the organization before external parties, including regional authorities, regulatory agencies, distribution and transmission system operators.
Key Responsibilities :
Team Leadership & Management :
Direct and manage a team of project managers distributed throughout Italy, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Set clear objectives, provide ongoing mentoring, and ensure the professional development of team members.
Monitor project pipelines, identify resource needs, and allocate personnel to maximize efficiency and project success.
Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews, and support staff in overcoming project challenges.
Strategic Planning & Execution :
Actively participate in the formulation of the company’s PV development strategy and translate high-level goals into actionable plans.
Analyze market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging opportunities in the Italian renewable energy sector.
Collaborate with head of origination and executive management to identify target regions, evaluate project feasibility, and prioritize investment opportunities.
Establish and implement best practices in project development, risk assessment, permitting, and stakeholder engagement, and translate them into processes when needed.
Project Oversight :
Supervise the end-to-end development of PV projects, including site evaluation, technical due diligence, permitting, grid connection, and financial assessment.
Ensure all projects comply with national and regional regulations, environmental standards, and internal company policies.
Oversee project timelines and budgets, proactively addressing risks and bottlenecks to ensure timely delivery.
Facilitate coordination between project development, engineering, legal, and finance teams.
External Representation & Stakeholder Engagement:
Build and maintain strong relationships with public institutions, regulatory bodies, and key industry stakeholders, such as Regional Authorities, GSE, DSO/TSO.
Represent the company at industry forums, public consultations, and in negotiations with third parties.
Reporting & Communication :
Provide regular updates to senior management on project status, risks, and key milestones.
Develop comprehensive project reports, analyses, and recommendations for executive decision-making.
Promote transparent communication within the team and across departments.
Qualifications & Experience :
Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector, with at least 3–5 years in leadership roles overseeing project development activities.
Demonstrated expertise in the Italian PV market, including regulatory, permitting, and grid connection processes.
Strong analytical, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
Excellent communication and negotiation abilities, with fluency in Italian and English.
Experience representing companies to public authorities, regulatory agencies (GSE), DSOs, TSOs, and other third parties.
Ability to travel extensively throughout Italy as required.
Personal Attributes :
Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Integrity, transparency, professionalism, and a genuine passion for renewable energy and sustainability.
Opportunities & Benefits :
Play a pivotal role in accelerating the energy transition and supporting Italy’s renewable energy targets.
Lead a highly skilled, motivated team and shape the future of PV project development nationwide.
Engage with key industry stakeholders and authorities at the forefront of the energy sector.
Attractive compensation package, commensurate with experience and leadership responsibilities.
Opportunities for professional development, training, and advancement within a dynamic, mission-driven company.
Application Process :
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter outlining their relevant experience, motivation, and vision for the role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps, which may include interviews and case study assessments.