Head of Planning

DCO Consent Manager

Location: Hybrid (3 days office, 2 days remote) - Based out of nearest main office (Warwick, Warrington, Nottingham)

6 Month Contract

About Us: Join an organisation dedicated to securing Britain's energy future! We are at the forefront of transporting gas throughout Great Britain, maintaining gas pipelines, and managing the metres that supply millions of homes and businesses. As a key player in the national gas network, we are committed to achieving net zero and maintaining the UK's industrial competitiveness.

About the Role: Are you ready to make a significant impact in the energy sector? We are looking for a passionate and dynamic Consent DCO Manager to lead the charge in securing permissions for major energy projects. In this high-impact role, you will be pivotal in delivering nationally significant infrastructure that aligns with the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

As a member of our Major Programmes team, you will oversee the consenting strategy for complex, high-value infrastructure projects. Your role will encompass everything from early development to delivery, ensuring we secure the necessary consents efficiently and responsibly while safeguarding our reputation.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead and Manage: Develop and implement consenting strategies for large-scale infrastructure projects, including DCO, TCP(A), and Pipelines Act processes.
• Environmental Oversight: Oversee Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to bolster successful consent applications.
• Trusted Adviser: Provide expert guidance on consent risks, mitigation strategies, and programme impacts to Project Directors and senior stakeholders.
• Relationship Builder: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, landowners, and communities.
• Engagement Strategies: Partner with External Affairs teams to lead stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Expert Witness: Represent the organisation at hearings and public inquiries, coaching others as needed.
• Consultant Management: Oversee external consultants and suppliers, managing budgets, performance, and resource planning.
• Team Leadership: Inspire and develop a growing team of Consents Officers.

Key Requirements & Experience:

• Proven experience delivering consents for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
• In-depth knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting processes, including DCO and EIA.
• Strong track record of managing complex, multi-site infrastructure projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality.
• Experience engaging and negotiating with diverse stakeholders, including regulators and communities.
• Demonstrable leadership experience with a knack for driving high performance.
• Strong project management skills across scope, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting complex or contentious information.
• Relevant degree (e.g., Planning, Environmental Sciences, EIA, or similar) and professional membership (e.g., MRTPI, MIEMA, MRICS or equivalent).
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Experience in managing multiple DCOs simultaneously or linear DCO experience.
• Understanding of funding mechanisms within regulated businesses.
• A track record of driving efficiencies and innovation in consenting processes.

How to Apply:

Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Click the 'Apply Now' button and submit your resume along with a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you would be the perfect fit for our team. We can't wait to meet you!

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone’s chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.