One of the most successful renewable energy developers and operators is looking for a development project manager and lead principal reporting to the 'Head of projects' -Scotland to oversee work in the UK and Ireland.
Responsibilities
- This role is responsible for: managing the project (including budget, programme and team management) and dictating project strategy up to point of planning consent;
- managing and undertaking community relations and communications; producing an Environmental Statement;
- Securing planning consent;
- Obtaining planning condition compliance; and supporting planning compliance during construction and operation on projects assigned to them.
- The Development Principal will work on at least 2 projects at any one time with the total number depending on project requirements.
- This role is key to securing planning consent for a project, the stage at which most of the project's profit is secured.
- Add value and reduce costs (DEVEX, CAPEX and OPEX) for projects ensuring project viability on a subsidy free basis through efficient working, careful scoping, procurement and innovative engineering and design opportunities, recorded and managed through the Economic Model.
- Use lean processes to deliver project objectives and reduce waste
- Responsible for setting and managing the project programme in line with strategy to consent.
- Manage all risks on projects using appropriate tools and contracts.
- Responsible for project budget to point of consent: includes management of internal and external hours and costs.
- Responsible for screening, scoping and producing the planning application, normally accompanied by an Environmental Statement.
- Responsible for management of external consultants and internal technical or engineering support in relation to the project design, ES production, or condition discharge bundles.
- Responsible for management of property - ensuring property is secured on viable terms
- Coordination of engineering design, technical studies and grid requirements is needed along with a solid understanding of how to maximise profit and the probability of securing consent
- Responsible for planning submission and driving towards a consent
- Responsible for appeals process, which may involve management of a Public Inquiry
- Responsible for obtaining pre commencement planning condition discharge
- Responsible for obtaining any post consent planning variations
- Support obtaining other licences and permits required by the project
- Provide support for planning condition compliance throughout construction and operations.
- Accountable for ensuring project documentation and consultation is compliant with planning policy and EIA regulations.
- Communicate and record obligations on the project that have been agreed to or entered into (planning or otherwise).
- Managing external stakeholder relationships, including landowners, local community, planning bodies, local politicians and other key influencers including objectors, all consultees statutory or otherwise, grid companies, consultants, suppliers, regulators and media.
- Devise and implement an effective communications plan, with support from the Community Relations & Communications Principal, focussed on obtaining planning consent at least cost in minimum time whilst retaining RES' reputation.
- Support development and implementation of storage and solar projects as appropriate to the location.
Requirements
- Detailed knowledge of the drivers for a successful wind farm development and understanding of the common risks.
- Extensive knowledge of the planning systems and planning policy relating to renewable energy
- Knowledge of the appeals and public inquiry legal process.
- Knowledge of Environmental Impact regulations. Project economics
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- An entrepreneurial approach and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent project management skills
- Managing and co-ordinating inputs from external consultants and project team members. Excellent influencing and negotiation skills
- Successfully managing projects within resource and budget constraints.
- Experience of team coordination
- Successfully dealing with planning authorities and other project stakeholders, including landowners, general public, project contractors, external consultants and development partners.
- Production of Planning Applications, Environmental Statements and planning condition discharge bundles Experience of the appeals process including Public Inquires.
- Degree in an environmental, engineering, technical, planning or science based subject or equivalent
