Business Development Manager, Wind Energy

A business development manager in wind energy leads the growth of wind power as a sustainable energy source. They find project locations, manage design and construction, and oversee market introduction. This role combines technical knowledge of wind energy with negotiation skills to secure land agreements and connect with suppliers and buyers. They also develop innovative solutions to fulfill energy needs sustainably. At the core of their job is the skill to integrate technical know-how with strategic business planning, promoting the expansion of wind energy projects towards a greener future.

At a Glance

Imagine working as a renewable energy business development executive at an investment firm specializing in green technologies and renewable energy projects. Your current assignment involves preparing an investment proposal for a wind energy project intended for a group of investors interested in sustainable ventures. This project is in a region known for its strong winds, making it a strong candidate for wind power generation.

Your week starts with conducting a market analysis to understand the demand for renewable energy, identifying competitors, and evaluating the growth potential of the wind energy sector. The data collected serves as the foundation for the financial modelling phase, where you calculate the project's expected costs, revenues, and profitability to ensure it meets your firm's investment criteria.

Collaboration with the finance team is crucial as you refine the economic model, ensuring all financial projections are accurate and supported by current market data. The main challenge is to secure the necessary funding while achieving the project's environmental and financial objectives. The investment proposal you draft is a comprehensive document that outlines the project's benefits, risks, and potential returns. It is designed to inform and persuade investors of the project's viability and alignment with their interest in sustainable investments.

By the end of the week, you have scheduled presentations with potential investors, where you will use the proposal to demonstrate the project's merits. Your role is pivotal in bridging the gap between innovative wind energy solutions and practical investment opportunities, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy development in achieving a sustainable future.

Job Duties

Job duties vary from one position to the next, but in general, business development managers in wind energy are involved in the following activities:

Identify and analyze potential wind energy projects and competitors through market research.
Scout and assess sites for wind farm development, focusing on wind patterns, land availability, and environmental considerations.
Negotiate with landowners and government agencies to obtain land leases and the required permits for development.
Work with engineers and project managers on the design and planning of wind energy installations.
Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and contractors to ensure timely and cost-effective equipment procurement.
Collaborate with finance teams to forecast project economics, secure funding, and oversee budget management.
Develop and implement marketing strategies for wind-generated power to attract investors and buyers.
Comply with all applicable regulations, environmental standards, and safety protocols during project development and operation.
Stay informed on industry trends, technological developments, and policy shifts to adjust strategies and retain a competitive edge.
Lead project teams, promoting a culture of innovation and ensuring success from start to finish and beyond.

Work Environment

Business development managers in wind energy operate within the office and field. In each of these settings, individuals in this occupation carry out various duties.

The office:

Research emerging trends in the wind energy sector, such as renewable energy demand, growth areas, and competitive landscape.
Create financial models to predict the profitability of wind energy projects, including costs, revenues, and rate-of-investment.
Draft and present business proposals and bids to investors, partners, and regulatory agencies, detailing project scope, budget, and timeline.
Regularly communicate with teams, investors, and partners via emails, reports, and presentations to share updates and negotiate terms.
Ensure project plans and proposals adhere to all regulations, including environmental assessments and permits.
Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources, using software to monitor progress and resolve issues.

The field:

Assess potential project sites for viability, focusing on land topography, wind resources, and infrastructure access.
Discuss project goals, negotiate land agreements, and address concerns with landowners, government officials, and community groups.
Work with engineers and technical teams to determine the feasibility of wind turbine installation, considering soil quality and wind patterns.
Conduct or oversee environmental studies to evaluate the impact of wind projects on ecosystems and wildlife.
Monitor construction progress at active sites, ensuring compliance with design specifications and addressing any issues.
Engage directly with suppliers and contractors to guarantee the quality and timely delivery of materials and inspect equipment and installation processes.

Where to Work

Business development managers in wind energy are employed across various sectors, encompassing government agencies and private companies such as:

Renewable energy firms
Utility compaines
Wind turbine manufacturers
Government agencies
Environmental consultancies
Investment firms
Non-governmental organizations
Engineering firms
Energy trade associations
International development organizations

Search for jobs on the ECO Canada Job Board.

Education and Skills

Education

If you are a high school student considering a career as a business development manager in wind energy, you should have a keen interest in:

Environmental Science
Mathematics and Physics
Economics and Business Studies
Technology and Innovation
Sustainability and Conservation
Leadership and Teamwork
Public Speaking and Communication

For post-secondary students interested in this path, the following degree programs are highly relevant:

Renewable Energy Engineering
Environmental Science
Business Administration, focus on Renewable Energy
Sustainable Development
Mechanical Engineering, specialization in Energy Systems
Environmental Policy and Management
Finance, concentration in Energy Markets

To pursue a career as a business development manager in wind energy, an undergraduate degree is typically the minimum educational requirement, along with relevant field experience.

While certification is not required to work as a wind energy developer, many professionals join industry associations, like the Canadian Renewable Energy Association to stay connected and informed.

Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.

Skills

Technical Skills

Renewable energy systems knowledge
Project finance and economics
Market analysis
Regulatory compliance
Technical design and engineering
Geographic information systems and site assessment
Sustainability and environmental impact
Contract management
Risk management
Stakeholder engagement

Personal and Professional Skills

Strategic Thinking
Communication Skills
Leadership
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Relationship Building
Negotiation
Project Management
Analytical Thinking
Resilience

Environmental employers seek professionals who combine technical knowledge with personal and professional skills. Watch our free webinar Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry or take our Essential Skills courses.

Role Models

Your Impact

A business development manager in the wind energy sector plays a crucial environmental role by driving the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This occupation directly impacts the environment by promoting the development and implementation of wind energy projects, which generate clean, sustainable power and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By identifying potential sites for wind farms, negotiating deals, and managing project implementation, they facilitate the growth of an industry that is pivotal to combating climate change.

This role embodies environmental stewardship through its focus on sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging wind energy, which is abundant and renewable, Business Development Managers help decrease reliance on non-renewable, pollution-intensive energy sources. Economically, they create jobs in the green economy and stimulate technological innovation. Socially, their work supports communities by providing cleaner air and contributing to a healthier environment while promoting energy independence and security.

The sustainability aspect of this occupation is evident in its goal to ensure long-term energy solutions that are environmentally benign, economically feasible, and socially responsible. By fostering the expansion of wind energy, Business Development Managers play a pivotal part in steering society towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Occupational Classification

Business development managers in wind energy are classified into the following occupational grouping:

NOC Code: 41402 – Business development officers and market researchers and analysts

What is an NOC Code?

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) provides a standardized language for describing the work performed by Canadians in the labour market. It gives statisticians, labour market analysts, career counsellors, employers, and individual job seekers a consistent way to collect data and describe and understand the nature of work within different occupations.