Mitie Power & Grid brings together three ICP business units—G2 Energy, ESM Power, and Rock Power Connections—alongside Custom Solar, the UK's leading behind-the-meter solar PV installer. With over 400 specialist professionals across our ICP and solar teams—and access to thousands more engineering experts within Mitie—we are one of the UK's largest and most experienced providers of grid connection and renewable energy services. We offer a comprehensive suite of specialist services across grid application, design, equipment procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and ongoing operations and maintenance. Our focus is on supporting decarbonisation through projects including utility-scale solar, wind, battery energy storage (BESS), and EV infrastructure.
We are looking for a Business Development Director to join our Custom Solar business. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future growth of one of the UK's most ambitious renewable energy businesses. As part of Mitie Group, you will have access to a broad customer base, significant market reach and the opportunity to lead the development of some of the UK's most exciting solar and battery storage projects while building a high-performing commercial team and accelerating the UK's journey to net zero.
Location: Chesterfield - UK Wide (Hybrid with regular travel to clients, partners, Mitie offices and project sites)
Custom Solar, part of the Mitie Group, is one of the UK's leading renewable energy EPC businesses, delivering solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), carports and wider renewable energy solutions across the commercial, industrial and public sectors.
The Business Development Director will be responsible for leading the commercial growth for Custom Solar, developing and executing a robust sales and origination strategy that delivers sustainable, profitable growth. You will drive the development of a high-quality pipeline across:
- Rooftop Solar PV
- Ground Mount Solar
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Solar Carports
- Private Wire Solutions
- Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
- Renewable Energy Frameworks
Working closely with the wider Mitie business, external partners, consultants, developers, investors and customers, the successful candidate will create, develop and convert opportunities from origination through to contract award.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the Business Development strategy aligned to the company's Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
- Lead the company's market-facing growth activities across all renewable technologies.
- Identify emerging market opportunities, regulatory developments and sector trends.
- Build a multi-year sales pipeline capable of supporting the company's revenue and profitability targets.
- Contribute to executive and board-level forecasting and strategic planning.
Sales Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Business Development, Key Account and Project Development professionals (team of 6).
- Establish clear performance objectives, sales targets and account growth plans.
- Drive a culture of accountability, customer focus and commercial excellence.
- Conduct regular pipeline reviews and forecast meetings.
- Support major bids, negotiations and strategic customer engagements.
Origination & Project Development
Originate renewable energy opportunities directly with:
- Commercial & Industrial customers
- Retail portfolios
- Logistics and warehousing operators
- Manufacturing businesses
- Property owners
- Public sector organisations
- Data centres
- Infrastructure owners
Develop opportunities from early-stage conception through to contract execution.
Create strategic routes to market across solar and battery storage sectors.
Identify and secure long-term framework agreements and preferred supplier arrangements.
PPA & Strategic Partnerships
Develop and manage relationships with:
- PPA providers
- Infrastructure funds
- Investors
- Developers
- Energy suppliers
- Financing partners
Create and expand strategic partnerships capable of accelerating project deployment.
Structure innovative commercial solutions including:
- Corporate PPAs
- Funded solar models
- Private wire schemes
- Asset finance solutions
- Energy-as-a-Service offerings
Key Account Management
- Develop executive-level relationships with strategic clients.
- Drive repeat business opportunities and long-term account growth.
- Create account development plans across major customers.
- Act as executive sponsor for critical customer relationships.
Land & Grid Origination
Support early-stage project development activities including:
- DNO engagement
- Grid capacity enquiries
- Landlord engagement
- Development agreements
- Site acquisition opportunities
- Lease negotiations
- Planning and development coordination
