Job Description

Key Accountabilities

• Add customer 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 creative engineering and design opportunities, and project economic/financial modelling.
• Set and lead the project programme following strategy to consent.
• Manage all risks on projects using appropriate tools and contracts.
• Manage project budget to point of consent: includes management of all hours and costs.
• Manage EIA screening, scoping and producing the planning application, normally accompanied by an Environmental Statement.
• Manage management of external consultants and internal technical or engineering support in relation to the project design, ES production, or condition discharge bundles.
• Oversee management of property - ensuring property is secured on viable terms - supported by the Property Manager.
• Coordinate engineering design, technical studies and grid requirements along with a solid understanding of how to maximise profit and the probability of securing consent – supported by the engineer/technical analyst.
• Plan submission and driving towards a consent.
• Manage Appeals process, which may involve management of a Public Inquiry.
• Obtain timely pre-commencement planning condition discharge.
• Obtain 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.
• Ensure project documentation and consultation is aligned with planning policy and EIA regulations.
• Handling external partner 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.
• Design and implement an effective communications plan, with support from the Community Relations Manager, focussed on obtaining planning consent at least cost in minimum time whilst retaining RES’ reputation.
• Help develop and implement storage and solar projects to the location.

Experience & Qualifications

• Successfully manage projects within resource and budget constraints.
• Experience of team coordination.
• Successfully deal with planning authorities and other project stakeholders, including landowners, general public, project contractors, external consultants and development partners.
• Produce Planning Applications, Environmental Statements and planning condition discharge bundles or management of consultants doing same.
• Experience of the Appeals process including Public Inquires.
• Degree in an environmental, engineering, technical, planning or science based subject or equivalent.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Detailed knowledge of the drivers for a successful wind farm development and understanding of the common risks. Experience with 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 & commercial aspects of projects. Excellent interpersonal skills. An entrepreneurial approach and problem solving abilities. Excellent project management skills. Handling and co-ordinating inputs from external consultants and project team members. Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.