Our client is an international renewable energy developer with more than 1,000 employees worldwide, active across Europe as well as North and South America. As a full-service provider, they cover the entire value chain and also operate their own wind and PV parks.

We are seeking a Managing Director for Italy to lead the next phase of growth: driving the greenfield development strategy, advancing the existing pipeline, scaling operations, and expanding the Italian team. The role covers the full project lifecycle—from identifying suitable sites to ready-to-build status—with a primary focus on PV and wind, and potential inclusion of battery storage.

This is a long-term leadership position, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to the Italian market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Italian subsidiary, overseeing all stages of greenfield project development (PV, wind, and potentially battery storage), while providing strategic direction.

• Shape the local market strategy based on regulatory, commercial, and technological developments.

• Build, expand, and manage a renewable energy pipeline across Italy, delivering ready-to-build projects in line with agreed targets.

• Take full responsibility for project success including land acquisition, permitting, grid connection, financing, and sales.

• Make strategic investment and development decisions, balancing technical, financial, legal, and environmental considerations.

• Proactively manage risks, ensuring timely identification and mitigation of potential issues.

• Prepare and oversee business planning, budgeting, P&L, and financial reporting in collaboration with headquarters.

• Monitor financial and non-financial KPIs to ensure continuous improvement and delivery of performance targets.

• Lead, mentor, and grow the Italian team, fostering a culture of accountability, performance, and collaboration.

• Develop strong relationships with authorities, utilities, landowners, service providers, and other key stakeholders.

• Represent the company in Italy, strengthening market visibility and reputation.

• Act as the key communication link with headquarters and shareholders.

• Provide entrepreneurial input for new initiatives while operating within international corporate guidelines.

Candidate Profile

• Experienced project developer or Head of Development with a strong track record in building and advancing renewable energy pipelines.

• Expertise in greenfield PV and wind development is essential; battery storage experience is a plus.

• Excellent knowledge of the Italian renewables market, including permitting and grid processes.

• Commercially astute with project financing knowledge.

• University degree in a technical or commercial discipline preferred.

• Proven leadership experience in managing teams or development functions.

• Hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and grow a relatively new subsidiary.

• Strong negotiation skills, particularly in project acquisitions, sales, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong communication skills, fluent in Italian and English (German is a plus).

• Stable career path with long-term commitment to leadership roles.

• Willingness to travel regularly within Italy and occasionally to Germany.

Autonomy & Authority

• The Managing Director will have significant autonomy to lead and grow the Italian subsidiary.

• Full responsibility for execution of the annual business plan and approved budget, including cash flow, hiring, and development spend.

• Signing authority under local Italian legal entities, covering project agreements, employee contracts, and operational expenditures within agreed limits.