Environment Permitting & Land (EPL) Lead
THE ROLE
We are seeking a Environment Permitting & Land (EPL) Lead who will be responsible for overseeing the environmental, permitting, and land access workstreams across utility-scale BESS, solar PV, and onshore wind projects in Japan.
This position is responsible for reducing permitting and land-related development risk and safeguarding project viability throughout the project lifecycle. The role acts as the strategic owner of EPL risk from development through construction handover, ensuring regulatory compliance, land securement, ESG alignment, and integration with engineering and grid functions.
The EPL Lead will establish the EPL function for Hekikai energy, managing external consultants and stakeholders autonomously, with the potential to build and lead an in-house EPL team as our pipeline expands into the future.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A minimum of 8–12+ years of experience in land development and/or renewable permitting in Japan, with a proven track record in closing complex permitting cases
- Strong knowledge of Japanese land-use regulations within a BESS and/or Solar project environment, wind is desirable but not essential
- Understanding of environmental and ESG frameworks, with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Can work autonomously as a strategic thinker with the ability to foresee key risks
- Native Japanese language skills with business-level English
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and review project permitting strategies for development and acquisition, interpret national and local regulations and assess regulatory risk exposure
- Integrate EPL strategy with origination, engineering, grid, legal, and development team
- Identify required permits for BESS, solar, and wind projects to then prepare, submit, and manage permit applications
- Identify and evaluate land opportunities, integrating environmental and zoning constraints, conduct land due diligence and risk analysis
- Negotiate land agreements (lease, easements, access rights) and interface with landowners, municipalities and relevant authorities
- Oversee environmental compliance from development to construction, coordinating environmental studies and mitigation strategies
- Interface and maintain long-term relationships with landowners, government regulators, contractors, and stakeholders, attending regulatory agency meetings and public hearings
WHAT WE OFFER
- Play a key role in the development of large-scale renewable energy projects within a growing team
- Enjoy work-life balance with hybrid working between our office and home
- Career development opportunities and framework to support your journey
- Attractive social benefits package, including support for language classes, gym classes, and additional leave entitlements
During the recruitment process, HEKIKAI ENERGY G.K. processes all personal data submitted by candidates in strict compliance with the Japanese Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) and all applicable local regulations.
How to apply
To streamline our application process, we kindly request that all applicants use the designated “apply button” above for submitting their applications. Please refrain from applying via email, phone, or LinkedIn. Thank you for your understanding.
Contact
HEKIKAI Energy
Level 13 Pacific Century Place Marunouchi, 1-11-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku
100-6213 Pacific Century Place Marunouchi Tokyo
Japan
Carolina Perez
P&C Manager - Global
Closing date:
About HEKIKAI Energy
With a worldwide perspective, we are committed to transforming our own greenfield opportunities into impactful and sustainable projects by uniting capital, capability and capacity, by developing projects and mitigating risk with the goal of leveraging return on investment and entering into co-ownership.
We are determined to drive change, and guided by our vision to accelerate the green transition, we work collectively to make a difference that really matters. You will join a diverse team of colleagues who all share our vision and passion for renewable energy. It is an essential part of our culture that we support each other, learn from each other, and celebrate each other's achievements. Together, we make a real difference.
During the recruitment process, HEKIKAI Energy is processing all registered personal data in compliance with the European General Data Protection (GDPR), and we reserve the right to screen the SM accounts of potential candidates.
