Development Manager – Renewable Projects
Australia


The Company
Our client is a globally backed renewable energy developer focused on delivering large-scale, integrated energy solutions. With strong financial backing and deep expertise across project origination, development, and delivery, they are building a significant pipeline of renewable and multi-energy projects.
Their strategy centres on combining technologies such as wind, solar, battery storage, and emerging solutions to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and low-carbon energy at scale. In Australia, they are rapidly expanding their footprint with projects positioned to support both grid supply and the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries.
 
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, this role will play a key part in progressing a portfolio of utility-scale renewable projects through the full development lifecycle.
You’ll take ownership of projects from early-stage site identification through to approvals, grid connection, and financial close, working across a mix of wind, solar, and battery storage developments, with future exposure to hydrogen.
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the end-to-end development of large-scale renewable energy projects from concept through to ready-to-build stage
• Identifying and assessing new project sites, including technical, environmental, and commercial feasibility
• Securing land access agreements and managing ongoing landholder relationships
• Coordinating planning, environmental, and cultural heritage approvals in line with Australian regulatory frameworks
• Managing stakeholder engagement across government bodies, local communities, and First Nations groups to maintain strong project support
• Overseeing external consultants and coordinating inputs from internal teams across engineering, legal, and commercial functions
• Supporting procurement processes, contractor engagement, and broader commercial activities including partnerships and acquisitions
• Managing project schedules, budgets, and risk frameworks while ensuring compliance with HSE and quality standards
• Mentoring junior team members and contributing to internal development processes and strategy

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning, or a related discipline
• Strong track record delivering utility-scale renewable energy projects in Australia (wind, solar, and/or BESS)
• Solid understanding of planning approvals, environmental assessments, and regulatory processes across multiple jurisdictions
• Extensive experience in project development within the renewable energy sector (typically 8 years)
• Strong commercial acumen and experience supporting procurement and contracting activities
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage across a broad range of parties
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and competing priorities
• Leadership experience with the ability to mentor and guide team members
• Willingness to travel nationally as required
• Full working rights in Australia
  

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.