Position: Project Development Manager - Anaerobic Digestion
Location : Oxfordshire
Guide Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 Plus Bonus, Car Allowance and Package
Our client is a leading UK-based renewable energy company specializing in the production of biomethane through anaerobic digestion. By partnering closely with local farmers, they convert agricultural and organic waste into clean, green energy while generating valuable by-products such as nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser and high-purity green CO₂. This closed-loop approach supports sustainable agriculture, drives rural economic development, and advances the circular economy.
They are recruiting for a Project Manager who will coordinate a team working on the development of anaerobic digestion (AD) and biomethane projects from early-stage concept through to Final Investment Decision (FID). The role is accountable for ensuring projects are technically robust, commercially viable, in compliance with relevant regulations and ready for investment.
Responsibilities will include:
Lead AD projects through feasibility, pre-FEED, FEED, and pre-construction stages to achieve FID.
Define and manage development roadmaps covering planning, feedstock sourcing, process design, site layout, utilities connections, digestate handling, and permitting.
Own FID readiness, ensuring all necessary technical, commercial, regulatory, ESG, and financial aspects are satisfied.
Manage stage-gate approvals and independent technical reviews.
Support the investment team with information necessary to inform project returns and wider business plan impacts of individual projects.
Support preparation of investment cases underpinned by robust assumptions including CAPEX, OPEX, revenues (biogas/biomethane, RHI/Green Gas Support Scheme or equivalents), sensitivities, and downside scenarios.
Support feedstock team to devise optimal feedstock strategy, supported by robust evidence of availability and commercial viability
Ensure that interfaces with grid operators, gas networks, offtakers, and regulators are being well managed.
Ensure digestate management plans are compliant and economically optimised.
Ensure that budget estimates are maintained and updated appropriate to the stage of project development, eventually providing cost estimates and schedules suitable for FID.
Establish and maintain risk registers covering planning, technology, feedstock, permitting, utilities connections, construction and operational performance.
Quantify and manage contingencies in line with investor expectations.
Control development budgets and external advisor spend.
Develop procurement and contracting strategies appropriate for AD projects (EPC, EPCM, multi-package).
Support early contractor engagement and technology vendor selection.
Ensure contracting structures appropriately allocate performance and interface risk.
Prepare projects for seamless transition from FID to construction.
Ensure adequate attention is being applied to compliance with HSE, environmental permitting, planning consents, animal by-product regulations, and gas/grid standards.
Skills, Qualifications & experience:
Strong commercial and investment mindset.
Technical credibility preferably in an AD or other process area
Ability to clearly communicate complex technical and financial concepts
Highly organised, outcome-driven, and comfortable in fast-paced PE environments.
Proficient in project controls, cost estimating, and scheduling tools