The client

Our client has been developing and building Solar Farms and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the UK since 2012. With well over 300MW of ground mount solar pv projects installed to date, they are one of the leading UK solar development companies with a strong project pipeline stretching into the future. They are also the largest developer of NSIP solar and BESS projects in the UK, leading the market.

The role

We are looking for a Planning Manager with knowledge of renewable energy applications to LPAs to join the in-house team. We are looking for someone that can support and manage external planning consultants to submit renewable energy projects into the Town and County planning system including: Pre-App meetings, public consultations, Parish Council meetings, managing EIA screenings, stat consultee responses, committee hearings, planning appeals and judicial reviews.

This is a vital role within the wider development team. Liaising with teams within the company, external planning advisors, consultants, and Planning Officers at the LPAs. There are already great relationships with a number of highly experienced renewable energy planning consultants, and these will need to be supported and managed closely.

The candidate

We are looking for someone with the ability to influence strategic thinking at all levels. The ideal candidate will be technically able, with a minimum of 2 years of planning/development experience within a consultancy or a developer.

You should have a proven track record of delivering projects from ground-up through to construction release of conditions, with preferential attention given to candidates who have renewables experience such as solar or wind, and can do the following;

• Provide a clear path to planning success within each project being developed or considered
• Liaise, and influence key stakeholders, such as; planning officers, employees of consultee organisations, third parties within the planning system
• Ensure compliance with planning regulations
• Keep informed of planning policy and practice, market conditions and the impact of government policy
• Being accountable for projects, from the outset through to consent, and release of conditions with the help of experienced senior external planning consultants
• Assessing and commenting on draft design & access statements from external consultants prior to submission.
• Attend local planning hearings and committee meetings throughout the process
• Leading the outsourced planning team, such as LVIA, Environmental, Photo, Water bodies, Highways, whilst always providing direction and internal updates,
• Tracking all projects within the company’s portfolio, including all consents received, thus ensuring conditions are discharged, including legal obligations associated with the consents
• Manage any implementation compliance, such as Section 106 Agreement or other planning/commercial conditions

To be successful you will have the following skills and experience:

• Clear competence in the job,
• Experience with renewables technologies, such as Solar, battery or Wind
• Relevant professional qualifications e.g. Planning qualification (RTPI or MTPI)
• 2+ years’ experience in property planning
• Can handle intense and passionate questioning with patience and maturity
• Proven commercial and contractual acumen
• Can lead a multi-disciplinary team (internal and external)
• Excellent communication, influencing and report writing skills
• Ability to build collaborative and sustainable relationships
• Experience of operating in high pressure and fast paced environments
• The ability to solve complex planning issues in sometimes stressful situations
• Be driven to succeed with ambition to bring the entire planning function in house in the near future.

Our client is a globally trusted Development, Engineering, Procurement and Construction company (DEPC) with a proven track record of developing, designing, building, and maintaining utility scale solar projects in the UK.

They specialise in developing quality large-scale solar, battery storage and other renewable technology assets. The company undertakes to manage and control the entire development lifecycle and process such as:

• The creation of fully developed solar and storage project rights, from pre-development partnerships (landowner engagement), to consenting shovel ready assets through to full project and delivery operations (build and operations). Carrying out all construction of sites.
• Obtaining Development Consent Orders (DCO’s) within the very stringent Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP’s) process.
• Local, regional, and national consenting approvals for renewable energy projects (solar farms embedded with battery storage and other renewables technologies)
• Complete utility scale grid applications & interconnection agreements (DNO and National Grid)
• Credible Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s), that are bankable and easy to transact
• Funding partnerships both institutional and private, allowing for all aspects of development and build phase
• Finalising all legal and local, state, and federal certifications to obtain relevant tax credits, subsidies, and incentives within the UK

Today the company is one of the UK’s largest developers and has been building renewable projects in the UK for over a decade.  The company works with some of the largest asset-owners and develops a range of projects to build and sell to utilities, pension funds, tax-incentivised funders, and blue-chip companies.

The role

• Oversee all business operations across the company, including construction, financial and back-office functions,  
• Ensure the day-to-day successful running of several construction sites & operational sites during warranty period.
• Being a member of the UK Executive Management team to help lead the business, manage risk, and develop sustainable strategies for future success.
• Matrix management with liaison with significant support team from majority shareholder.
• Manage a team of inhouse staff of between 5 and 10 employees and remotely manage via relevant site manager construction teams during build programme.
• You will have responsibility for Operations & Construction activities, H&S, Project Management, financial records & forecasts, ensuring the smooth, safe & profitable running of the sites whilst maximising levels of customer satisfaction & Environmental compliance.
• Manage and deliver complex projects by developing the project team, assessing engagement risks throughout, driving conclusions, and reviewing / challenging the output produced by the team.
• Establishing operational tasks, policies, and procedures for the company. 
• Reviewing existing operations and finding areas for development and growth.
• Upholding company policies and value while always leading by example. 

My client is a leading Energy Services provider who now have the opportunity for a Technical Energy Advisor to be based in the South and covering areas across the M25, London and the South. This is an exciting opportunity to join their Energy and Innovation team. The main purpose of the role is to assist in the provision of technical advice and support on low carbon and energy efficiency services to both internal and external clients; Conduct a range of technical assessments independently on site (energy assessments, retrofit assessments, thermal imaging surveys, air tightness tests); Model data in software to identify improvement recommendations for buildings; Prepare technical reports to identify energy efficiency solutions for clients; Analysis of housing stock data to identify opportunities for energy efficiency works; Assistance with pre- and post- works performance monitoring reporting; Liaise effectively with Ops Teams and call centre in the delivery of work; Keep up to date with required CPD hours for accreditation body satisfaction; Assist with Retrofit Coordination on live schemes. In order to be considered for this role you will have; Domestic Energy Assessor / Retrofit Assessor or other building assessor experience; Ability to take dimensions and produce floor plans of complex buildings; Ability to use software (SketchUp) to create 2D and 3D models of buildings; Mathematical skills to calculate dimensions (floor area, volume) of buildings; Good understanding of low carbon and energy efficiency technologies; Ability to liaise with external organisations working to strict deadlines; Possess a pro-active approach to work; Literate in MS Office; Good verbal and written communication skills; Relevant Health & Safety Training; Comfortable driving to a variety of sites (primarily across London and the South) 2-4 times a week as necessary; full UK Driving license.

I am working with a leading, global low-carbon energy and services company who have a new role available for a Commercial Solar PV Design Manager. The main purpose of the role is to lead design from outline business case through to construction of Solar PV / Battery Storage Systems. You role will be but not limited to; Agree appointment and scope of service for Design Team alongside Pre-construction Manager; Review design management protocols with Design Coordinator / Assistant Design Coordinator; Clear communication of expectations for design deliverables with designers; Commission required surveys/reports; Review compliance with all relevant regulations/legislation; Liaison with the Pre-Construction Manager for commercial costing activities; Liaison with the operational teams regarding buildability and logistics; Monitoring of design & resolution of technical queries; Review design deliverables and design programmes; Comply with document management protocols; Assist with procurement and construction programs; Chairing design team meetings; Lead Client meetings during Bid Phases. In order to be considered for the role you must be/have; Able to programme design works; Knowledge of methodology and sequencing process in delivering a construction project including design and pre-construction activities; Understanding of design requirements for procurement and construction purposes; Understanding of contractual requirements of the contracts; Ability to drive issues through to completion; Understanding of AutoCAD, PVSyst and Helioscope and advantage; Electrically Trained or knowledge of complex electrical systems relating to Solar PV; Up to date construction industry knowledge; Experience in Renewable Energy Schemes; Technical understanding of substructures, structures, services and finishes solutions; Knowledge of building regulations / sustainability; Previous management of design team; Industry accreditation / Qualifications; previous experience in a similar role.

My client is a technical services & facilities management, energy efficiency and regeneration services provider and due to expansion, now have the requirement for a Quantity Surveyor to be based at their office in Manchester. The main purpose of this role is to take responsibility, ownership and accountability of the successful management and control all aspects of the commercial / financial and contractual elements of the designated project in order to control and maximise the company’s profitability, protect the companies legal and contractual obligations under the contract and to manage proactively the control of all commercial issues.  This is to include ensuring applications and valuations are completed in line with the contract terms and also ensuring sub-contractors receive prompt payment and are procured in line with their contractual obligations and commitments to subcontractors.  In addition, ensuring cost reports and the like are managed, completed on time and monitored.  To understand, implement and adhere to the company SHEQ policy/strategy. Control all expenditure. In order to be considered for this role you will have; Industry experience in the role of a Quantity Surveyor; Post graduate experience within a surveying position reporting to either a Senior Surveyor or a Commercial Manager; Excellent verbal communication skills; Excellent level of numeracy; Excellent influencing skills; IT skills – MS Office, Excel, Project, Word; Excellent Time Management; Ability to work under pressure; Prepared to work within various geographical areas.

My client is a leader providing technical services & facilities management, energy efficiency and regeneration services and includes specialist energy related capabilities: smart buildings, green mobility, district & embedded energy and decentralised renewables. Due to business growth they have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager. The purpose of this role is to effectively, plan, manage and control frameworks and partnerships at a strategic level with various clients in the region, ensuring the best interest of the company at all times. Ensuring full compliance to company policies and procedures in regard to; Health and safety, programme, budgeted expense, quality, contract documentation, covering all activities from pre-commencement to completion with a dedicated team under your direction.  The role is key to contributing to the overall management and development of the region within the senior structure. Client and framework management at all levels will be key along with building successful relationships, this will be pivotal in the role, managing client expectation, achieving success measures and driving improvement through your team’s work. In order to be considered for this role you will have; Experience of Commercial Solar PV installations; Knowledge of Commercial Solar PV products; Strategic thinker; Management experience; Able to develop and write concise reportage to board; Track record of delivering results; Excellent understanding of CDM Regulations; Environmental awareness in line with current legislation; Industry accreditation / Qualifications; Relevant experience.

My client is leading energy efficiency and regeneration services provider. Due to expansion, they now have the opportunity for an experienced Estimator to join their team in the South. The main purpose of this role is to provide an estimating and tendering service in the Energy/Renewables sector from receipt to submission with the objective to achieve/exceed the Company Budget.  To understand, implement and adhere to the company SHEQ policy/strategy. Some of your responsibilities will include but not be limited to; Develop and maintain relationships with Clients, Designers, Subcontractors and Suppliers; Work with other members of the Pre-Construction and Energy teams to develop the bid strategy; Accurately review tender documentation; Issue relevant information to legal team for review and share completed review; Carry out site visits in order to view, address and mitigate risks wherever possible; Prepare and issue sub-contract and material enquiries. Manage receipt of quotations in a timely manner to achieve competitive market rates; Ensure that correct insurance levels are in place upon appointment of external BOQs; Price bills/schedules analytically and produce quote comparisons using estimating software. Identify risks and opportunities and assess the potential impact on the project together with any necessary qualifications; Liaise with Subcontractors, Pre-Construction and Delivery teams to assess the programme requirements in order to develop and cost a suitable preliminaries allowance; Present estimate for review and final settlement; Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and efficiently in the Energy/Renewables market sectors i.e. Sustainability / Renewables / PV /Utilities; Work effectively with other members of the commercial department and Energy / Renewables Team in order to achieve the most effective and competitive solutions; Develop and work with junior members of the team to create succession plans. In order to be considered for this role you will have; Experience of pricing a wide range of tender sizes in the Sustainability / Renewables / PV / Utilities sectors; Experience of pricing range of PV systems i.e. Ground Mounted, Roof Mounted and Floating;  Experience of working with estimating software preferably Conquest; Working experience of presenting technical and complex information; Utilities with groundwork experience; Understanding of site constraints and identifying early to cost or mitigate; Understanding of utility providers points of connection and costing of these; Proven leadership skills with the ability to effectively delegate as appropriate.