Senior Project Manager - REF: AR/08/31

DUBLIN, PERTH, GUILDFORD, BRISTOL, BELFAST, GLASGOW

Airtricity is a world leading renewable energy company developing and operating wind farms across Europe.  The company is both a generator and supplier of electricity and currently supplies green electricity to over 38,000 commercial customers in Ireland.

In January 2008, the sale of Airtricity was completed to Scottish and Southern Energy Plc.  SSE is the UK’s largest generator of renewable energy, owning and operating over 1,300MW of hydro and one of the UK’s largest operational wind farms.

Due to an internal restructure, we are currently recruiting a Senior Project Manager.   This senior position reports to the UK Offshore Development Manager and is an active member of the Airtricity Offshore management team, and more generally the Airtricity Generation, Operation and Development management team.

The primary responsibility for this post is to deliver high quality, safe, fully leased and consented offshore wind farms in UK waters.   The focus is very much on development and the initial priority will be to win lease awards from the Crown Estate under the Round 3 awards.  

 Detailed accountabilities will include:

• Site selection
• Full responsibility for at least one proposed Round 3 offshore wind site or joint venture
• Contribute to development of the overall UK Offshore Wind Development strategy and implementation of this strategy
• Preparation of site specific bid strategy and obtain buy-in from Airtricity Senior Management
• Prepare board papers as appropriate to secure necessary internal funds
• Management of the relationship with project joint venture partners
• Identify and manage need for feasibility studies for site development
• Manage the Environmental Impact Assessment process and drafting of the Environment Statement
• Specify and tender offshore survey work and the conceptual design process, taking into account navigation, aviation, construction, financial and wind resource issues.
• Prepare and submit consent applications, for both onshore and offshore elements of projects as required and respond to queries on consents applications as required
• Lead on stakeholder and public consultations and assist with wider public affairs activities
• Obtain suitable grid connection agreements
• Negotiate land agreements, leases, easements and other third party agreements as required
• Understanding of health and safety requirements and compliance with same
• Regular communication of project progress to stakeholders. Identification and internal communication of opportunities and risks associated with the proposed development.
• Select, appoint & manage appointment of specialist consultants and contractors
• Delivery of successful bids for offshore wind farm lease
• Cross-project lead on a core skill (such as environmental, navigation, aviation, health and safety, grid, marine and civil engineering)
• Detailed management and control of agreed budgets describing variance when appropriate.   Contribute to annual setting of budgets.
• Recruitment, training, management and motivation of project manager(s), staff development and career planning
• Liaise and cooperate with other Airtricity offshore wind units and other teams within the company. Perform activities associated with the Offshore and GOD management team as required
• Represent General Manager UK Offshore Development as required at meetings, conferences etc.

Personnel Specification

The successful candidate would ideally have:

• Extensive experience developing projects, ideally in the wind, power or offshore sector
• Excellent project management skills including a proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, internal staff, subcontractors and consultants
• Experience of Project Managing Environmental Impact Assessments and planning consents
• Numerical ability with a degree in engineering, environmental science or comparable industry project management qualifications.
• Experience in one or more of the following core areas:
  o         Environmental Assessment
  o         Planning applications
  o         Marine or civil engineering
  o         Health and safety
  o         Grid connection applications
• Excellent organisation and management skills
• Risk taker and comfortable with ambiguity
• Be highly motivated and driven by success
• A self-starter attitude with the ability to multi-task, work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a team and manage consultants
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills
• Fluency in English
• Have an adaptable personality, a flexible approach and outstanding interpersonal skills.
• A full driving license.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter quoting reference AR/08/31 to careers@airtricity.com closing date for applications is Friday 23 May 2008.