Senior Connections Development Manager- London

Senior Connections Development Manager

Location: London, greater London

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced Senior Connections Development Manager to join a rapidly growing organisation at the forefront of the UK's low-carbon energy transition.

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in developing major heat infrastructure projects that will help decarbonise towns and cities across the UK. Working on high-profile residential, commercial and public sector developments, you will identify, develop and secure long-term customer connections to district heating networks, helping shape sustainable communities for generations to come.

This is a strategic, commercially focused role combining business development, stakeholder engagement, project leadership and commercial negotiation. Success will be measured by your ability to build trusted relationships, influence key decision-makers and guide customers from initial engagement through to signed connection agreements.

Working alongside technical, commercial and project delivery specialists, you will help develop compelling investment opportunities that support the expansion of large-scale heat network infrastructure across the UK.

The Role

As Senior Connections Development Manager, you will lead the development of customer connections across a portfolio of heat network projects, managing opportunities from initial identification through to commercial agreement.

You will engage with developers, local authorities, property owners, public sector organisations and other key stakeholders, creating commercially viable solutions that balance customer requirements with long-term network growth and investment objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Develop New Opportunities

• Identify and prioritise potential connection opportunities within existing and planned heat network zones.
• Build and maintain relationships with developers, landlords, local authorities, housing providers and public sector organisations.
• Understand customer objectives, commercial drivers and decarbonisation strategies.
• Position district heating as a preferred long-term energy solution.
• Act as a trusted advisor throughout the customer engagement process.

Lead Commercial Negotiations

• Develop Heads of Terms and support negotiation of Connection and Supply Agreements.
• Structure commercially attractive agreements that balance affordability, project viability and future network expansion.
• Work closely with legal, technical, financial and commercial colleagues to develop customer proposals.
• Present commercial opportunities, risks and recommendations to internal governance and investment forums.
• Support a smooth transition from commercial agreement into project delivery.

Build Strategic Relationships

• Develop influential relationships with regional stakeholders, local authorities and strategic partners.
• Represent the business within local markets, industry forums and stakeholder engagement events.
• Help build long-term support for low-carbon heat infrastructure across project locations.

Collaborate Across the Business

• Work closely with project development, engineering, delivery, finance, legal and operations teams.
• Ensure opportunities are technically deliverable, commercially robust and aligned with business strategy.
• Share market intelligence and customer insight to support future network growth.

Manage Pipeline & Growth Strategy

• Maintain an accurate and forecasted sales pipeline using CRM systems.
• Monitor market trends and customer activity to identify future opportunities.
• Contribute to long-term connection strategies and city-scale network expansion planning.

About You

We're looking for an ambitious, commercially minded professional who enjoys working in complex environments and building long-term strategic relationships.

You may come from infrastructure, energy, utilities, property, consulting, engineering, finance or another commercially focused sector where you've demonstrated your ability to influence stakeholders and deliver successful outcomes.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Experience working within project-led, fast-paced or high-growth organisations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand technical, legal, commercial and financial information.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to achieving results.
• High levels of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative approach with a willingness to work across multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within energy, infrastructure, utilities, property or major capital projects.
• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements or long-term customer contracts.
• Understanding of district heating, energy systems or regulated infrastructure.
• Knowledge of UK planning policy and low-carbon energy initiatives.
• Experience working with developers, local authorities, public sector organisations or large property portfolios.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary from £60,000, depending on experience.
• Performance-related discretionary bonus.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Private healthcare.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support.
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
• Company laptop and equipment provided.
• Flexible working arrangements to support both individual and business needs.

Diversity & Inclusion

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or other protected characteristics.

They are also proud to support the Armed Forces community and actively encourage applications from veterans, reservists, service leavers and military families.

About the Employer

Our client is an ambitious, fast-growing organisation delivering innovative low-carbon energy infrastructure across the UK. With a collaborative culture and a strong commitment to sustainability, they offer employees the opportunity to work on projects that deliver lasting environmental, social and economic benefits while developing rewarding long-term careers in one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors.