The job holder will be primarily responsible for negotiating Heads of Terms and Options and Leases (and any other alternative structure) in order to deliver full land assembly packages for the development sites within the Renewables forward programme. He/she will also assist in the search for new sites across the UK (onshore wind, solar and energy storage) to build a pipeline of renewable energy projects capable of achieving specific project and financial objectives contained in the Business Plan.
Responsibilities
- Take a lead role in delivering land rights and any associated land matters.
- Represent the company in negotiating viable and cost-effective land deals that allow renewable energy projects to progress from initial site search through to agreed Heads of Terms in a timely manner so that external legal firms are then able to assist in concluding legal contracts.
- Negotiate and secure land assembly packages on development sites for the company across Scotland, or specific areas in England and Wales.
- Provide support to the Head of Land Development and the wider team in their efforts to develop a successful business plan and to provide specific help within land and business development areas.
- Identify and approach landowners and agree site and individual negotiating strategies.
- Instruct and effectively manage land agents, consultants and external solicitors in relation to securing land agreements.
- Represent the company professionally, establishing and maintaining good relationships with landowners, tenant farmers, land managers, forestry managers or others who own and manage land to ensure they are well informed of developments and progress.
- Advise how best to manage their land assets, ideally including environmental responsibilities and obligations.
- Provide professional advice on how emerging renewable energy regulations and practices may affect land strategies
- Agree and review the site finding strategy and requirements with the Head of Land Development and the Business Development Manager on a regular basis.
- Assist with any due diligence activity on land and property matters in relation to any acquisition and/or sale opportunities
- On occasion, be required to represent the Company at liaison meetings, consultations and landowner meetings etc., out with normal working hours.
Requirements
- Educated to Degree level (ideally rural surveying, estate management or a relevant discipline)
- Professional Qualification and/or experience preferably related to land / property, legal or energy
- Specialist knowledge of working with land agreements is essential, as is familiarity with property law
- Confident and experienced negotiator
- Up to date understanding of the energy markets and issues pertinent to the valuation of land for renewable energy projects
- Excellent written English and report writing skills
- Ability to use GIS packages (and other standard PC packages) and read and interpret maps
- Full driving licence
- Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) and strong interpersonal skills
- An ability to convey complex concepts clearly to a wide range of people and personalities
- Influencing and negotiation skills
- Enthusiastic and positive attitude