Project Manager

Our client Scottish Power Renewables are currently looking for a Land Project Manager to join their team based in Glasgow on a long–term contract basis. Ideally for this role they are looking for a candidate with Project Management experience specialising in Land, Property or Sustainable Development, as well as this they would require a background in renewables. For more information see below:

Job Purpose Statement
To search, identify, evaluate and secure new sites across the UK and ROI. Growing an organic pipeline of renewable energy projects onshore wind, solar and energy storage, capable of allowing IRI and SPR to meet its strategic growth targets.

This will involve liaising and co–ordinating with teams of consultants and land agents to initially identify sites, develop site potential, assess site feasibility and secure projects under contract. In addition, the role holder will support the New Business Manager with site evaluation strategy, agent performance reviews, process and procedural reviews, standardisation and compatibility assessment, budgeting, timely delivery of feasible projects within acceptable risk parameters.

Accountability Statements

• Lead site search and feasibility work including preparing or arranging preliminary layouts, assessments of grid, access and energy resource for all technologies.
• Manage the successful negotiation, completion and management of exclusivity agreements and land contracts with landowners, agents and/or solicitors.
• Manage internal project and agent reporting/auditing, including performance analysis.
• Manage internal stakeholders to deliver land contracts within programme.
• Lead in the tendering, appointment, instruction, and effective management of land agents/consultants through the site evaluation and feasibility process.
• Carry out due diligence and submission documents for tender bids.
• Provide ad–hoc advice and due diligence on property matters in relation to any acquisition opportunities.
• Explore and maximise development opportunity on all new and existing sites.
• Create, evolve and manage process and practices to maximise delivery and effectiveness.
• Build, maintain and retain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Keep the Head of Origination fully apprised of opportunities and ensure all internal knowledge is captured.
• Report on trends and opportunities against requirements of the pipeline and the business model.
• Promote the company s interests externally in order to maximise the number of opportunities available.
• Ensure all key decisions are supported by sufficient due diligence and investigation.
• Proactive approach to health and safety management including development of pre–tender/development plans and completion of audits and actions.
• Acquire ancillary rights e.g. access, lay down areas, habitat management areas, site compounds and other servitudes/easements, licenses and wayleaves.
• Provide advice and support to Project Managers on property matters including securing access rights, mineral rights, grid access and any other associated land related rights.
Dimensions

• The site evaluation and feasibility activity within the Origination team is to secure an organic pipeline of renewable energy projects capable of allowing the business to meet its strategic growth targets.
• Demonstrates ability to work autonomously (and with Orgination Team) to grow the onshore renewable energy business and be directly responsible for identifying new sites, securing land agreements and conducting feasibility studies.
• Draws on technical and financial capability within wider SPR business to assist in the assessment of development opportunities including energy yield assessments, access studies, feasibility studies and economic modelling
• Works closely with others in the Development Team to ensure effective co–ordination with other site evaluation and project development work and delivery of feasible projects within acceptable risk parameters.
• Responsible for co–ordination and direction of external resources to effectively co–ordinate the site search activity and identify and secure new sites balancing quality, cost, timing and deliverability of these sites.
• Has established (and continues grows) a network of contacts to aid and facilitate organic growth of onshore renewable energy business on the Island of Ireland.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Degree and/or Professional Qualification, preferably related to land/property or sustainable development.
• Up to date renewables technical and market knowledge.
• A clear understanding of the key requirements to evaluate prospective sites.
• Experience in managing and delivering pipeline projects through to development.
• Experience of managing a network of agents and stakeholders.
• Experience and familiarity of renewable land agreements and negotiations.
• Experience of end–to–end project delivery within a renewable environment.
• Experience and understanding of large data analysis/management for reporting and auditing.
• Health and safety knowledge and awareness
• Good interpersonal skills, operating confidently at all levels internally and externally.
• Ability to co–ordinate people effectively to deliver required outputs in a timely manner
• Ability to use GIS packages (and other standard PC packages) and read and interpret maps.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Tenacity, persistence, and determination to succeed.
• Full driving licence.
Planning & Organising

• Appreciate the range of current political and regulatory policies and frameworks that have and are shaping the renewable energy marketplace.
• Understand other developers and new entrants ambitions in the market.
• Gather intelligence on the different renewable energy sectors to understand the commercial requirements and pricing levels to ensure success.
• Suggest innovative strategies to secure opportunities
• Ability to negotiate and reach commercially acceptable agreements with landowners/agents with a thorough understanding of the economic impact of decisions taken.
• Highlight the risks and issues and the viability of sites recommended for development
• Balance technical detail with commercial needs and provide recommendations, taking into account all relevant risks
• Ensure that all recommendations are documented, and sufficient due diligence exists to support decisions (whether internal or external diligence)
• Defend and stand by recommendations but also recognise when alternative sites or solutions may be preferable
• Present decisions and recommendations to the New Business Manager in a structured and robust manner

Internal and External Relationships

Internal
• Project Team, Iberdrola Renewables Ireland
• Senior Management Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Business Development Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Construction Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Technical Services Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Business Services Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Operations Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Health and Safety Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Investment Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Control Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Legal Team, Scottish Power Renewables
• Policy and Innovation, Scottish Power Renewables
• Corporate Communications, Scottish Power

External
• Land owners (commercial and rural)
• Land agents
• Legal representatives
• Technical/Environmental consultants
• Network Operators and National Grid
• Planning Authorities
• Government and non–government organisations
• Members of the public
• Renewable energy developers
• Industry technical/environmental/planning bodies e.g. RenewableUK
Criteria

• Degree and/or Professional Qualification – land/property or sustainable development.
• Established negotiation skills.
• Clear evidence of data analysis/management for reporting and auditing.
• A clear understanding of the key requirements to evaluate prospective sites.
• Competency in stakeholder management.
• Knowledge and awareness of renewables land agreements and contracts
• Demonstratable experience and skills in renewable energy site feasibility and development.
• Understanding of energy yield assessment
• Familiarity and firm base knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)