Development Manager - Germany

About Us

We are Cero Generation, a leading European solar energy developer.

Our single-minded vision is to ensure this, and every generation has access to clean, reliable, cost-effective renewable energy.

Cero identifies, develops, builds and energises major solar energy projects across eight European countries, and doing so responsibly we are helping communities to thrive across Europe and beyond.

We have a 25GW solar storage portfolio with further generation capability added each year.

We are a Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) portfolio company, operating on a stand-alone basis.

About The Role

Cero Generation is a leading specialist in solar and battery storage development, production and storage, accelerating the delivery of a net-zero future across Europe.

Powered by an experienced team that brings world-class industry, commercial, engineering, and environmental expertise to its projects, Cero is active through every stage of the lifecycle, from planning and construction to operation. It works closely with local development partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to deliver high-impact projects that positively benefit the environment and community.

This Germany (Hamburg)-based role will have responsibility for our German renewable energy projects and report to our Head of Development, Germany.

The aim of this role is to pilot the creation of development opportunities for new battery storage and solar projects in Germany, within the framework of the strategic orientation and objectives set by the company. In the process, you will work closely with Cero’s development partners and consultants.

Main Responsibilities

1. Supporting the Cero Team with the development strategy for the country.
2. Sourcing projects and originating new opportunities by establishing site selection processes and tools.
3. Participating in the identification and evaluation of projects.
4. Coordinating the signing of land for projects by managing a team of land agents or partners.
5. Initiating and coordinating the permitting process for the projects and having intricate knowledge of the German development process.
6. Ensuring the proper preparation of projects before presentation to the IC (Investment Committee) and participating in go / no go decisions concerning EEG and PPA type tender projects.
7. Actively managing the projects' progress and reporting to the Head of Development, Cero management, and board of the company on progress, financial status, and key risks.
8. Developing and cultivating relationships with key players in the sector, institutions, elected officials, and various partners, and carrying out lobbying work.
9. Working as part of a wider development team on strategic projects and cooperating with the team to meet the strategic goals for the country and company.

What You Will Need to Succeed in the Role

1. A proven track record in originating and developing renewable projects in Germany from greenfield and site identification stage, through the environmental assessment processes to permitting.
2. Great interpersonal skills and an ability to successfully manage many stakeholders on a project including landowners, local authorities and communities.
3. Interest in working on new opportunities in an innovative and dynamic environment.
4. At least 5 years of successful experience in project development of renewable energy projects, with excellent knowledge of administrative and environmental procedures in Germany.
5. A fluent level of German and a good command of English is necessary for this role.

Working with Cero Generation

Our shared culture is all about doing the right thing for our company, our people and the world around us.

We’re passionate about renewable energy and the vital role it can play in safeguarding the future of our planet. That’s why we’re all committed to collaborating to achieve excellence in our field to deliver better outcomes for all.

We’re led by a simple promise to all our people: you’ll get back what you put in.

We’ll empower you to deliver on our commitments and reward you for achieving the high standards that we set.

Diversity, Inclusion & Privacy

Cero Generation understands the importance of diversity and inclusion. We value the innovation and creativity that diversity of thought brings. 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.

Cero Generation respects the privacy of the people we deal with, and we uphold high standards of privacy practice and security. Our privacy policy is available on our website at cerogeneration.com.