Project Development & Permitting Manager
We usually respond within a week
Our mission is to accelerate the reduction in Europe’s reliance on fossil fuels, and we have already established a portfolio of onshore wind and solar projects. At the end of 2023 we finished construction of our first solar park and windfarm, which are now exporting power.
To have the biggest impact, we target markets that are underserved by capital and renewable expertise, by a team with a long history in successful development and construction of major renewable projects.
We currently work in Croatia, Italy, Poland, and Romania. We have already established a portfolio of onshore wind, solar and BESS projects. In Italy, we have acquired 7 projects at different stages of development.
Now we are looking for the Permitting Development Manager to lead our projects.
The Permitting Development Manager will lead and coordinate a team of project permitting specialists and will play a key role in supporting the overall project strategy. This includes involvement from the early screening and drop-down phase to RTB (Ready-to-Build), in collaboration with the Origination Manager and Design Manager, and from RTB to COD (Commercial Operation Date), in coordination with the Construction Manager. The role reports directly to the Head of Origination and Development, Italy.
The Permitting Development Manager oversees the environmental permitting process for projects involving multiple technologies—PV, Wind, BESS, Agro-PV, and other technologies within the company portfolio. Responsibilities include managing landscape and cultural heritage permit applications, steering complex projects, and ensuring the achievement of development and permitting milestones from the drop-down phase to construction readiness.
Additionally, the role supports and advises the Origination Manager in defining search areas and selection criteria, as well as identifying the most suitable technology applications for specific regions.
Key responsibilities also include developing scopes of work and proposals, assisting with the preparation and submission of permit applications, attending client and authority meetings (including conferences of services), coordinating with project design teams, and mentoring junior staff.
What you will do
Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
- Conduct feasibility analyses for photovoltaic projects, ensuring regulatory alignment.
- Research and secure necessary permits, coordinating with consultants and authorities.
- Manage permitting applications and compliance with national and regional regulations.
- Oversee permitting processes with public authorities and engage with key stakeholders.
- Participate in regulatory discussions and Conferences of Services to advance project approvals.
Project Management & Internal Coordination
- Align permitting strategies with project scope, development, and design activities.
- Support M&A transactions by facilitating permitting processes for investors and stakeholders.
- Coordinate with internal departments (engineering, legal, finance) to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
- Monitor regulatory changes and market conditions affecting project feasibility and execution.
- Manage project budgets, timelines, and documentation to ensure efficient permitting and approvals.
- Implement best practices in document management and permitting records.
What you bring
- Full-Cycle Project Management Experience – Ability to oversee projects from feasibility analysis to final permitting, construction, and operation.
- Expertise in Permitting & Regulatory Compliance – Strong knowledge of national and regional permitting laws (P.A.S., P.A.U.R., V.I.A., Landscape Authorizations) and experience managing applications.
- Stakeholder Coordination & Negotiation – Proven ability to engage with public authorities, investors, and multidisciplinary teams (engineering, legal, finance).
- Technical Knowledge of Renewable Energy Projects – Understanding of photovoltaic development, environmental assessments, and grid connection requirements.
- Regulatory Monitoring & Adaptation – Ability to track, interpret, and adapt to regulatory changes affecting projects.
- Project Budget & Risk Management – Experience defining project budgets, tracking costs, and mitigating risks throughout the project cycle.
- Strong Communication & Reporting Skills – Ability to provide clear project updates, manage documentation, and liaise with key stakeholders in both Italian and English.
What we offer:
- Exceptional salary and benefits package
- Exciting and challenging projects with real impact
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Supportive and dynamic company culture
- Office in Rome
- Department
- Origination and Project Development Department
- Role
- Project Development & Permitting Manager
- Locations
- DRI - Italy
About DRI
DRI is an Amsterdam-headquartered renewables developer and operator focused on accelerating the energy transition in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe.