How to apply for Project Development Lead - NI & ROI

About Fuse Energy

Fuse Energy is building a fully integrated energy company, from developing its own solar and battery projects to selling directly to consumers. It has raised over $200M from top-tier investors including Accel, Balderton, and Ribbit, plus angels like Nico Rosberg. The company's goal is to make energy abundant and affordable by cutting out the middleman and using AI across the business.

About the role

The Project Development Lead - NI & ROI will identify, analyse, and secure new energy prospects across data centres, BESS, wind, rooftop, carport, and ground-mounted installations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. You will build a network with local authorities, landowners, industrial clients, and regional administrations, and lead commercial negotiations from NDAs to acquisition terms. This role is key to Fuse's expansion in the NI and ROI markets and directly impacts its mission to accelerate the renewable energy transition.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with a landowner to discuss a potential ground-mounted solar site, followed by a call with a local council about planning regulations, and then reviewing an LOI for a BESS project. You could also spend time prospecting new leads, negotiating terms with a developer, or coordinating with internal teams on project feasibility. The role is remote but requires frequent travel to sites and meetings across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Who Fuse Energy is looking for

• Has proven experience in project development or business development in renewable energy, specifically in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
• Possesses a strong local network with landowners, local authorities, industrial clients, and regional administrations in NI and ROI.
• Demonstrates ability to lead commercial negotiations, including NDAs, NBOs, LOIs, exclusivity agreements, and acquisition terms, through to completion.
• Is skilled at identifying and securing new energy prospects across various technologies such as data centres, BESS, wind, rooftop, carport, and ground-mounted installations.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific projects or deals you have worked on in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including outcomes and your role in negotiations.
• Show your understanding of Fuse Energy's integrated model by referencing their focus on developing solar, batteries, and other generation projects, and how your work would contribute.
• Emphasise your existing network in NI and ROI, naming types of contacts you have (e.g., local authorities, landowners) without disclosing confidential details.
• Demonstrate familiarity with commercial agreements like NDAs, NBOs, LOIs, and exclusivity agreements by describing your experience with them.
• Explain why you are interested in Fuse's direct-to-consumer approach and how it aligns with your development experience.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your track record of securing energy prospects in NI and ROI, with concrete examples; (2) your ability to build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders such as landowners and councils; (3) your experience leading negotiations from initial contact to transaction completion; and (4) your motivation to work at a startup that is building a fully integrated energy company and cutting out the middleman.

Research before applying

• Study Fuse Energy's website and recent news to understand their projects, especially any in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
• Research the energy market in NI and ROI, including key players, regulations, and opportunities in data centres, BESS, wind, and rooftop solar.
• Look into Fuse Energy's investors and their strategic interests to understand the company's growth trajectory.
• Find out about Fuse's technology stack and how they use AI across the business, as this might be relevant to project development.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Can you describe a successful project you developed in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, from prospecting to securing the deal?
• How do you approach building relationships with local authorities and landowners in NI and ROI?
• What is your experience with commercial agreements such as NDAs, NBOs, LOIs, and exclusivity agreements?
• How would you identify and prioritise new energy prospects across different technologies like BESS, wind, and rooftop?
• Why do you want to work at Fuse Energy, and how do you see your role contributing to its mission?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic statements about renewable energy without tying them to specific NI and ROI market conditions or Fuse's integrated approach.
• Do not overstate your network or experience; be prepared to provide concrete examples during interviews.
• Avoid focusing only on one technology (e.g., solar) when the role requires versatility across data centres, BESS, wind, rooftop, carport, and ground-mounted installations.