About the team

Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) is a 30-strong renewable development and delivery business, responsible for identifying suitable renewable energy project opportunities and then undertaking the required grid connection, land agreement and planning processes to obtain successfully developed projects.  Following the development phase of the projects, they will then be delivered using our in-house team and then operated long term.

Our initial activities were focussed on the UK, where we have a c.6GW pipeline of opportunities in the solar, wind and battery sectors.  Following this we established Swedish and Finnish development teams to undertake project development activities in the Nordic region.

Role and responsibilities

The role is to join our growing NSIP team in the UK (with flexibility on exact location) and to take the lead role on projects and the delivery of high-quality renewable energy projects (predominantly solar and storage) through the DCO process.

In particular, the role-holder will be expected to lead and support activities across a multi-disciplinary team to support the submission, acceptance, and granting of Development Consent Order applications, initially for large scale solar and battery developments. The role will involve being the client point of contact for the project team and providing strategic guidance and oversight of consent strategy, document sign off, and stakeholder liaison. Duties will also include contract administration and reporting, resolution of ad-hoc issues, monitoring technical compliance with consents commitments and managing the overall delivery of project consents (including discharge of conditions) until handover to the asset management team.

The role-holder is anticipated to have a wide range of technical capability, a real desire to succeed and be able to work autonomously and propose innovative solutions to problems. They will be part of a highly experienced, and highly skilled NSIP team, committed to delivering innovative projects contributing to the Net Zero challenge.

Education, experience and skills

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Project Management / Environment / Planning Qualification (degree level as a minimum).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience within the energy industry on consent projects, particularly working on solar PV, battery storage or grid connection projects (experience in other NSIP sectors with suitable transferrable skills will also be considered).
• Experience of leading the delivery of projects at various stages in the project lifecycle.
• Experience of managing project stakeholders including regulators, statutory consultees and local communities.
• Experience in the use of technical software is desirable (such as AutoCAD, GIS, PVSyst)
• An ability to anticipated project issues and propose creative solutions.
• An ability to manage several project tasks at once and be able to plan and prioritise project workload.
• An ability to manage and communicate effectively with large multi-disciplinary teams.

Personal Profile

• Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new conditions and challenges.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to new situations and challenges.
• Leadership: Guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal.
• Decisiveness: Making decisions confidently and effectively.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others.
• Collaboration: Working well with others to achieve common goals.
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Patience: Staying calm and composed under pressure.
• Positivity: Maintaining an optimistic and constructive attitude.
• Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and staying motivated.

Further information

Downing’s values - Be bold and ambitious | Be straightforward | Support each other

Our values serve as a guide that shapes every aspect of Downing. They extend far beyond the conduct of our employees and encompass our products, services, and relationships with our investors and their advisers. By upholding these values, we firmly believe that we can navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Our commitment to these values ensures that we make a positive impact in everything we do, leaving a lasting and meaningful imprint on the world around us.

Hybrid working

Downing operates a hybrid working policy whereby employees are expected to work from the office for a minimum of 3 days each week. If specific days are required in the office, this will be communicated during the interview process.

Diversity and inclusion

At Downing, we work hard to create a safe space for everyone: an environment for people to be themselves, and to be straightforward, honest and candid. Diversity is important to us, and we are passionate about creating an inclusive culture that supports and celebrates this.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly throughout our recruitment process and every aspect of employment, irrespective of background, disability or any other protected characteristic.

Reasonable adjustments

We will make reasonable adjustments within our recruitment process (and throughout employment) where needed. If you need any adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please do not hesitate to speak to the hiring manager or Downing’s People Team (people@downing.co.uk).

Privacy

To understand what information we collect about you, how we will use it and for what purpose, please read our privacy notice.

We appreciate all interest in Downing and applications received, however please note we will only be able to contact the most suitable applicants.