Head of BESS Strategy & Development – Germany

My Client is sector is seeking a highly experienced Head of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to lead the organisation’s storage strategy and project development activities across Germany. This senior leadership position is aimed at an individual with substantial expertise in large-scale energy infrastructure and a proven track record in utility-scale BESS development.

Position Overview

The Head of BESS will be responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the BESS strategy in the German market. The role will serve as a central point of coordination across technical, commercial, regulatory, and development functions to ensure the delivery of technically robust, economically viable, and fully permitted BESS projects. This position reports directly to executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the national BESS strategy in alignment with corporate objectives and market dynamics.
• Lead and manage the entire development lifecycle of BESS projects, including feasibility analyses, permitting processes, environmental assessments, and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify suitable grid connection points in cooperation with internal grid specialists, ensuring compliance with technical and economic criteria.
• Establish comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks and procedures required to obtain construction-ready approvals.
• Oversee project budgets, financial performance, and forecasting; prepare investment cases in collaboration with finance and commercial teams.
• Define technical specifications for BESS assets in coordination with engineering leadership.
• Support land acquisition processes alongside development and GIS teams.
• Ensure adherence to relevant local, regional, and international regulations; secure all required permits and approvals.
• Support and coordinate grid capacity requests and obtain connection conditions and cost assessments from grid operators.
• Lead negotiations related to grid connection requirements with internal and external experts.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including grid operators, landowners, regulatory authorities, and community representatives.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Environmental Engineering/Technology, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the development of energy infrastructure projects, including at least 3–5 years in the development of utility-scale BESS assets.
• Strong technical understanding of battery technologies (including lithium-ion), storage applications, interconnection processes, and market participation mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects from inception through to delivery.
• Well-established professional network within the BESS and wider energy storage sector.
• Structured and analytical approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to evolving challenges.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken).
• Willingness to travel frequently and work autonomously with precision and reliability.

Offer

The successful candidate will join a respected organisation offering:

• Flexible working arrangements and trust-based working time.
• A collaborative, international working environment.
• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and market standards.
• Modern IT and communication equipment.
• Access to a centrally located co-working office environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to the advancement of high-impact renewable energy projects across Germany and Europe.
• A corporate culture that places strong emphasis on professionalism, continuous development, and cross-functional collaboration.