Head of Business Development

Base Location: Rome, Italy

Salary: Competitive depending on skills and experience + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible working options available

The role

This is a strategic, high-impact role for an accomplished leader in renewable energy business development. As Head of Business Development for Italy, you’ll play a pivotal role in advancing SSE Renewables’ ambition to invest over €1 billion and deliver more than 1GW of renewable capacity — including onshore wind, solar PV, and battery energy storage (BESS) — across Southern Europe.

With a mandate to shape and lead our growth strategy in one of our core European markets, you will take ownership of identifying, securing, and structuring value-accretive opportunities through greenfield development, M&A, Development Service Agreements (DSAs), and broader strategic partnerships. You'll be empowered to make key commercial decisions, influence portfolio strategy, and drive initiatives that directly contribute to long-term enterprise value.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially minded, strategically driven business leader to join a growing international platform and lead transformational growth in the Italian energy market.

You Will

• Set the strategic direction for business development in Italy, in alignment with SSE Renewables’ European growth roadmap.
• Originate and execute high-value transactions — including acquisitions, joint ventures, and development partnerships — from early-stage opportunity through to investment case and beyond.
• Drive market positioning and portfolio expansion via a blend of organic growth and strategic partnerships.
• Evaluate opportunities across commercial, technical, regulatory, and financial dimensions, making critical investment and prioritisation decisions.
• Provide commercial and market thought leadership, understanding market trends, patterns and how we make money today and in the future.
• Propose and maintain updated value propositions across technologies. Work with relevant teams to increase understanding of commercial impact, maximise commercial opportunities from existing assets and new pipeline opportunities
• Lead engagement with senior stakeholders across the Italian energy ecosystem — including developers, institutional investors, regulators, TSOs, and government bodies.
• Represent SSE Renewables at industry events, in-market forums, and high-level negotiations to enhance the company’s profile and influence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (Legal, M&A, Technical, Finance, Grid, ESG) to ensure seamless project progression and effective risk management.

You Have

• A proven track record in business development leadership within the Italian or Southern European renewable energy sector.
• Demonstrated success in originating, structuring, and closing complex transactions — whether greenfield, M&A, or hybrid models.
• Deep understanding of Italy’s energy market, including its regulatory environment and evolving dynamics.
• A commercially astute, data-driven mindset with the ability to think strategically and adapt quickly.
• High level finance knowledge, particularly around valuation and appraisal metrics.
• A strong network of senior-level relationships across the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Fluency in Italian and English (additional European languages are a plus).

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. Our investment will see us build the world's largest offshore wind farm and transform the grid to deliver greener electricity to millions.

SSE Renewables delivers the green energy the world needs today and tomorrow. We lead the way in the development, build, and operation of renewable power assets, including wind farms, hydro power stations, and solar and battery projects. Join a global team of 1,800 energy experts powering the transition to a net zero future.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact Andrew.Duncan2@sse.com to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you may need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

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