Job Description

You will manage: running the project (including budget, programme and team management) and deciding project strategy up to point of planning consent; handle and undertake community relations and communications; produce an Environmental Statement; secure planning consent; obtain planning condition compliance and support planning compliance during construction and operation. You will work on at least 2 development projects at any one time with the total number depending on business and project requirements.

This role is key to securing planning consent for a new project, the stage at which most of the project’s profit is secured.

The Project Manager will be your line manager. During the development phase you will report to a Project Manager for project-related matters, and to a Construction Manager for project-related matters in the Construction Phase.

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.
• Manage 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 maximize 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 pre-commencement planning condition discharge.
• Obtain any post consent planning variations, including planning extension.
• Support obtaining other licenses 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 influencers including objectors, all consultees statutory or otherwise, grid companies, consultants, suppliers, regulators and media.
• Handle relationships with external clients, including business development and client management.
• Create an communications plan, with support from the Community Relations Manager, focused on obtaining planning consent at least cost in minimum time whilst retaining RES’ reputation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Detailed knowledge and understanding of planning policy relating to renewable energy is a key requirement. Detailed knowledge of the drivers for a successful wind farm development and understanding of the common risks. 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. Ability to handle and co-ordinate inputs from external consultants and project team members. Excellent influencing and negotiation skills. Experience with the Scottish planning system is a key requirement. Managing projects within resource and budget constraints. Experience working in the commercial sector. Experience of team coordination. Dealing with planning authorities and other project partners, including landowners, general public, project contractors, external consultants and development partners. Producing Planning Applications, Environmental Statements and planning condition discharge bundles. Experience of the Appeals process including Public Inquires desirable. Degree in planning, environmental, engineering, technical or science-based subject or equivalent. Professional qualification or working towards, e.g. MRTPI.