Senior Development Manager

**Lyon**

**About Us**

We are Cero Generation, a leading solar energy company working across Europe to support the transition to a net-zero future, for this and every generation.

Active throughout the project lifecycle, from development through to construction and operations, our highly experienced team collaborates with local partners to bring world-class industrial, commercial and technical expertise to our projects.

Our 8 GW solar development portfolio is one of the largest in Europe, covering both utility-scale and on-site generation projects, as well as integrated energy storage solutions. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, high-performing assets, and providing our corporate and industrial clients with the solutions to accelerate their pathway to a net-zero future.

Cero Generation is a Green Investment Group portfolio company, operating on a stand-alone basis.

**About the role**

The aim of this role is to pilot the creation of development opportunities for new solar power projects in mainland France, within the framework of the strategic orientation and objectives set by the company. You will project manage the development of these new projects from origination to ready-to-build.

**Main accountabilities**

The main responsibilities of this role include:

- In collaboration with the Country Manager, you will implement the development strategy for the country.
- You will source projects and originate new opportunities by establishing site selection processes and tools.
- You will participate in the identification and evaluation of projects that comply with the company's investment criteria (budget, Business Plan, etc.) and with high probability of success.
- You will be responsible for coordinating the signing of land for projects by managing a team of land prospectors or partners.
- You will coordinate the permitting process for the projects and have intricate knowledge of the French development process.
- You ensure the proper preparation of projects before presentation to the CVI (Investment Validation committee) and participate in go / no go decisions concerning CRE and PPA type tender projects.
- You will actively manage the projects progress, budgets and report to the Country Manager, Cero management and board of the company on progress, financial status and key risks.
- You will develop and cultivate relationships with key players in the sector, institutions, elected officials and various partners, and carry out lobbying work.
- You will work as part of a wider development team on strategic projects and cooperate with the team to meet the strategic goals for the country and company.

**About you**

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

- Have a track record in developing renewable projects in France from greenfield and site identification stage, through the environmental assessment processes to getting all project permits and authorisations.
- Have great interpersonal skills and an ability to successfully manage many stakeholders on a project including landowners, grid companies, local authorities and communities.
- Interested in working on new opportunities in an innovative and dynamic environment.

Ideally graduated Bac + 4/5 (Engineering, Business, DESS, Master), you shall have at least 5 years of successful experience in project development of solar, or other renewable energy projects, with excellent knowledge of administrative and environmental procedures in France. Good command of English is necessary for this role.

**Diversity, inclusion & privacy**

Cero Generation understands the importance of diversity and inclusion. We value the innovation and creativity that diversity of thought brings. The one thing we all have in common is our focus on high performance. If you are capable, motivated and can deliver, we want you on our team.

Cero Generation is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief. We facilitate a range of flexible working arrangements within our teams. Talk to us about what flexibility may be available.