Permitting Development Manager

DRI is dedicated to accelerating the energy transition in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Our mission is to work in underserved markets in Europe to achieve their net zero goals through the creation of a portfolio of 5GW of renewable energy and BESS project by 2028.

We currently work in Croatia, Italy, Poland, and Romania. We have already established a portfolio of onshore wind, solar and BESS projects, and currently we completed the construction of 3 projects, which are now exporting power. In Italy, we have acquired 7 projects at different stages of development.

Now we are looking for the Permitting Development Manager to lead our projects

The Permitting Development Manager will organize and manage a team of project permitting specialist and will also support the overall screening and project strategy from dropdown to RTB in collaboration with the Origination Manager, Design Manager, and from RTB to COD in collaboration with the Constrution Manager. He/she reports directly to the Head of Origination and Development Italy.

He/she manages the development of project’s environmental composed by different technologies: PV, Wind, BESS, Agro PV and any additional technology in the company portfolio, landscape and cultural heritage permit applications. He/she manages and develops complex projects and achieves development and permitting milestones from drop-down phase to construction-ready status.

He/she advise and support the Origination Manager in the definition of the area of search and selection criteria and the identification of the technology application suitable in the selected regions.

He/she develops work scopes and proposals, help compile and draft permit applications, attend client meetings and/or conference of services with the authorities, interact with project design professionals, and mentor junior staff.

What you will do:

Permitting & Regulatory Compliance

• Conduct feasibility analyses for photovoltaic projects, ensuring regulatory alignment.

• Research and secure necessary permits, coordinating with consultants and authorities.

• Manage permitting applications and compliance with national and regional regulations.

• Oversee permitting processes with public authorities and engage with key stakeholders.

• Participate in regulatory discussions and Conferences of Services to advance project approvals.

Project Management & Internal Coordination

• Align permitting strategies with project scope, development, and design activities.

• Support M&A transactions by facilitating permitting processes for investors and stakeholders.

• Coordinate with internal departments (engineering, legal, finance) to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.

• Monitor regulatory changes and market conditions affecting project feasibility and execution.

• Manage project budgets, timelines, and documentation to ensure efficient permitting and approvals.

• Implement best practices in document management and permitting records.

What you bring:

• Full-Cycle Project Management Experience – Ability to oversee projects from feasibility analysis to final permitting, construction, and operation.

• Expertise in Permitting & Regulatory Compliance – Strong knowledge of national and regional permitting laws (P.A.S., P.A.U.R., V.I.A., Landscape Authorizations) and experience managing applications.

• Stakeholder Coordination & Negotiation – Proven ability to engage with public authorities, investors, and multidisciplinary teams (engineering, legal, finance).

• Technical Knowledge of Renewable Energy Projects – Understanding of photovoltaic development, environmental assessments, and grid connection requirements.

• Regulatory Monitoring & Adaptation – Ability to track, interpret, and adapt to regulatory changes affecting projects.

• Project Budget & Risk Management – Experience defining project budgets, tracking costs, and mitigating risks throughout the project cycle.

• Strong Communication & Reporting Skills – Ability to provide clear project updates, manage documentation, and liaise with key stakeholders in both Italian and English.

What we offer:

• Exceptional salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Supportive and dynamic company culture
• Exciting and challenging real projects
• Office in Rome