Head of Origination

Job Description

Head of Origination

Utrecht Area, Netherlands (Hybrid)

Overview

The company is one of the most established renewable energy developers in the Benelux region, with over a decade of market leadership in the Netherlands. With more than 1,000 large-scale energy installations delivered and over 2 million solar panels installed, the organization ranks among the top five investors in the Dutch energy transition. The company has a proven track record of innovation, including the development of Europe’s largest floating solar park at the time of its construction.

Operating as a unified Benelux organization across the Netherlands and Belgium, the company is part of a major European renewable energy group, where the Benelux region is a core focus. The company is already a top 10 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developer and is ambitiously targeting a top 2 to 3 position in renewables. With secured financing and a clear midterm growth plan, the company is poised for significant expansion.

This newly created role of Head of Origination will lead the origination function, which has been separated from development to ensure a sharper focus on identifying and qualifying renewable energy opportunities.

Responsibilities

As the Head of Origination, you will:

• Lead and coach a team of four originators, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit while holding them accountable for results.
• Scout and identify new project opportunities across the Benelux region, with a primary focus on BESS, alongside solar and wind projects.
• Conduct rigorous feasibility assessments, evaluating strategic fit, land and grid availability, and overall project viability.
• Make decisive go/no-go decisions, prioritizing projects with the highest potential for success within the shortest timeframe.
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners, customers, and partners to secure opportunities.
• Ensure at least 50% of originated projects progress to the development stage, significantly outperforming the industry norm.
• Provide a clear, commercial perspective on project feasibility to the management team.
• Collaborate closely with the development team to hand over well-qualified, high-potential projects.

Qualifications

We are seeking a commercially sharp leader with the following qualifications:

• A proven track record of originating or developing large-scale projects. Demonstrable results matter more than years of experience.
• Strong commercial judgment, with the ability to assess feasibility, secure land and grid access, and challenge overly optimistic assumptions.
• Experience leading or coaching teams, ideally in an informal and entrepreneurial environment.
• Comfort operating within a corporate structure while maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset.
• A candid and honest approach, with a commitment to thorough preparation and execution.
• Fluency in both Dutch and English.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience in BESS, solar, or wind is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Backgrounds in front-end, commercial project development from adjacent sectors, such as large-scale or industrial real estate development, are welcome.
• Strong performers from outside the renewable energy sector with a solid commercial and leadership track record will also be considered.

Day-to-Day

• Lead and mentor your team of originators, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Travel across the Benelux region to scout opportunities and meet with stakeholders.
• Conduct feasibility analyses and make informed decisions on project viability.
• Collaborate with the management team to align origination efforts with strategic objectives.
• Work closely with the development team to ensure a seamless handover of qualified projects.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: EUR 8,000 to 8,500 gross per month (full-time).
• Mobility Options: Company car or mobility budget.
• Retirement Security: Fully paid pension scheme.
• Work-Life Balance: 28 holiday days.
• Leadership Opportunity: A visible and impactful role with direct input into the management team.
• Collaborative Culture: An informal, professional environment where autonomy and accountability are valued.

Why This Role?

This is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially astute leader who thrives on building and shaping new functions. The origination team is at the heart of the company’s ambitious growth plans, and your leadership will directly influence which projects are developed in one of Europe’s most dynamic renewable energy markets. If you are passionate about renewable energy, enjoy developing both people and projects, and want to make a tangible impact, this role offers the perfect platform.

Join this dynamic team and play a pivotal role in driving the energy transition in the Benelux region.