Business Development Manager

Airtricity is the renewable energy development division of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE).  The company has responsibility for the development of onshore and offshore wind farms in the UK, Ireland, Europe and Asia as well as developing hydro and marine projects. 

One of Airtricity’s flagship projects is based off the Suffolk coast in the UK and is the 504MW Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm, which when completed will be the world's largest offshore wind farm.  Airtricity was acquired by SSE in February 2008 and the combined Airtricity / SSE team have developed 40 new wind farms across Europe and North America resulting in over 1500MW, making it a leading wind farm developer.  The company’s goal is to protect the future of our planet by delivering renewable energy with passion, innovation and integrity.

Airtricity is seeking to appoint a Business Development Manager in Italy. The role will be responsible for the development of windfarms in Italy, utilising greenfield development, joint ventures and acquisitions as market entry routes. You will be based in Italy, where Airtricity has recently established an office in Rome. However the role will require extensive travel within Italy and business trips to Dublin.

The Business Development Manager will be a key member of Airtricity Italia’s management team. The person appointed will be responsible for managing the development of renewable energy business opportunities for Airtricity in Italy.

The role will involve close liaison with technical groups responsible for wind resource analysis, and electrical engineering, together with corporate finance personnel to assess viability of projects and bring them to the stage where Board approval for investment would be sought.

Key tasks will include the following:

  • Assessment of market entry strategies for Airtricity into renewable energy sectors in Italy
  • Implementation of the agreed market entry strategy
  • Preparation of a business plan for Airtricity’s development activities in Italy.
  • Liaising with local landowners, communes and wind farm developers and/or regional aggregators to achieve Airtricity’s business objectives
  • In conjunction with other developers, identify potential joint venture opportunities in Italy and negotiate the terms of such joint venture arrangements.
  • In conjunction with grid companies and Airtricity’s technical staff, assess the likely costs and feasibility of connecting potential wind farms.
  • Undertake high level economic screening analysis of potential projects, using Airtricity’s economic analysis tools.

Education and Experience:

  • Degree qualified, preferably in a numerical discipline or equivalent experience
  • Detailed knowledge of wind farm development process and experience of bringing projects through to financial close stage
  • Proven track record of project managing a development pipeline
  • Substantial experience working on wind farm development

Key Skills:

  • Commercial & technical awareness
  • Self-starter, with ability to organise and prioritise workload
  • Highly organised approach to work
  • Good team player, used to working in project teams or in collaboration with other areas of company
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to present effectively business cases for development assets
  • Willingness to travel and flexibility in working environment is a key requirement
  • Fluency in Italian & English
  • High levels of energy and self-motivation

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter quoting reference AR/08/116 to careers@airtricity.com closing date for applications is Friday 3rd October 2008.