How Recruitment Agencies Support Oil and Gas Hiring
12 Sept, 2025
The solar power industry is undergoing rapid transformation. As countries accelerate their transition to renewable energy, solar has emerged as a key driver in achieving decarbonisation and energy security goals. This surge in demand has sparked large-scale investment in solar infrastructure, particularly utility-scale projects and integrated clean energy systems.
With such rapid expansion, companies need senior professionals with leadership, technical, and commercial expertise to deliver results at scale. Hiring the right people is critical to executing projects on time, maintaining investor confidence, and achieving long-term profitability.
Below are five essential roles that solar organisations should prioritise when building high-performing teams.
1. Project Development
Project Development professionals are responsible for taking solar projects from concept through to investment-ready status. This includes identifying suitable sites, securing land rights, obtaining permits, and ensuring grid availability.
They play a pivotal role in bridging technical feasibility with commercial opportunity, balancing regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and stakeholder engagement. Strong development leadership reduces risks early and creates a solid foundation for successful delivery.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Track record in developing utility-scale solar or renewable projects
Strong understanding of permitting and planning frameworks
Experience in land agreements, community engagement, and regulatory compliance
Ability to coordinate technical, legal, and financial teams
2. Project Management
Once projects move beyond development, Project Managers are responsible for execution. They oversee budgets, schedules, and delivery milestones across the full lifecycle. Their role spans EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) coordination, contractor management, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
Effective Project Managers ensure cross-functional teams work seamlessly, mitigating delays and safeguarding financial outcomes.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Proven experience managing large-scale renewable projects (50MW+)
Expertise in EPC processes and stakeholder coordination
Strong leadership and communication skills
Ability to keep projects on time and within budget
3. Project Finance & M&A / Investment
The influx of capital into solar has created demand for professionals who can structure, evaluate, and secure financing. Project Finance and M&A/Investment specialists oversee financial modelling, debt and equity structuring, and investor relations.
They also play a crucial role in acquisitions, joint ventures, and securing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), ensuring projects remain financially viable and attractive to investors.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Background in renewable project finance, private equity, or investment banking
Expertise in financial modelling and due diligence
Experience negotiating with investors, lenders, and utilities
Commercial acumen with an understanding of energy markets and risk assessment
4. Asset Management
Once operational, solar assets must be managed effectively to deliver strong financial returns. Asset Managers oversee performance monitoring, O&M (operations and maintenance), regulatory compliance, and reporting to stakeholders.
They ensure assets operate efficiently while optimising revenue streams and minimising downtime through predictive maintenance and data-driven insights.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Experience in renewable energy asset management or O&M
Proficiency in monitoring systems, SCADA, and performance analytics
Commercial mindset with technical problem-solving skills
Knowledge of HSE and warranty/contract enforcement
5. Power Marketing (Trading & Origination)
Access to markets is fundamental for solar projects to succeed. Power Marketing specialists negotiate PPAs, manage trading strategies, and originate agreements with utilities and corporates, securing long-term revenue streams. Strong commercial acumen and established industry networks are essential to deliver value and stability for project developers and investors.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Deep knowledge of power markets, trading, and origination contracts
Strong negotiation skills and ability to structure complex agreements
Established network across utilities, corporates, and off-takers
Commercial mindset with the ability to secure long-term revenue streams
6. Grid Connection
In parallel, Grid Connection professionals handle the technical and regulatory challenges of interconnection, ensuring projects can export electricity without delays or curtailment. They liaise with transmission and distribution operators, manage technical submissions, and ensure compliance with national and international grid codes. Their work is critical to balancing technical feasibility with project timelines and commercial objectives.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Expertise in national/international grid codes and interconnection processes
Strong technical understanding of transmission and distribution systems
Experience managing grid connection applications and approvals
Ability to balance technical requirements with commercial project needs
Building a High-Performance Solar Team
As solar companies continue to scale, the need for specialist expertise across development, delivery, finance, operations, and market integration is only increasing. Strategic recruitment in these areas enables firms to mitigate risks, accelerate timelines, and maximise profitability.
At Mackinnon Bruce International, we specialise in identifying and securing the right professionals for solar and renewable energy projects. From emerging developers to global leaders, we partner with clients to build teams that deliver today and shape the future of clean energy.
