Overview

The UK has set out its ambition to be net zero by 2050 and the energy industry is responding – together we are building a cleaner, greener Britain. National Grid is at the very heart of the green energy transition.

We are continuing to seek experienced Planning and Environmental Specialists to work as Lead Consents Officers to help us obtain the permissions we need to build the Onshore electrical infrastructure that will make net zero a reality.

Joining our growing team, you will be responsible for ensuring that all the required consents are delivered in the most efficient and economic way possible and in accordance with current legislation, regulations, policy and National Grid’s internal best practice.

As a Lead Consents Officer you will deliver on our consenting strategies, project managing the environmental impact assessments and delivery of planning and environmental consents across a variety of major new infrastructure projects Onshore though out England and Wales both during the development and delivery phases of our projects. This  includes supporting  the connection of new generation through the development of new overhead lines and substations together with upgrades to and replacement of existing infrastructure. Every day you’ll be playing a crucial role in our ability to deliver a greener energy future.

Our main HQ is in Warwick, but we also have offices in Leeds and London, we have existing team members all over the UK as we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.  We can offer you the flexibility of an office base location or home working but travel to sites throughout England and Wales will be required.

We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be joining a growing team of  over 30  consents and environmental specialists that is responding to the challenge to deliver at least 17 major projects worth more than £16bn by 2031 as part of the Great Grid Upgrade.

You will help us obtain the best permissions possible for our projects through a variety of planning consents including Development Consent Orders, Town and Country Planning applications, Section 37 Consents and permitted development including the delivery phase of projects discharging conditions/requirements, obtaining secondary consents, and compliance monitoring contractors on site.

You will take responsibility for challenging, advising and guiding project teams in relation to the design and development of projects ensuring the implementation of effective project consents strategies to ensure that all risks are captured and managed and that reputational impacts of making changes are understood.

Working with Senior Consents Manager you will be be responsible for ensuring that project resource requirements (internal and external) are identified, procured and sufficiently embedded within the project team ahead of need, and that these resources are coached and mentored to perform effectively in relation to the delivery of consents and environmental related activities.

You will develop, lead and manage engagement strategies for strategic stakeholders and drive effective relationship management through the projects.

You will be proactive in capturing and sharing lessons learned so that they can be communicated within the wider consents team to drive a culture of continuous improvement.

As Lead Consents Officer you may have line management responsibilities supporting the development of more junior members of the consents team.

You may also be required, to act as an expert witness at DCO hearings and/or public inquiries and CPO hearings.

About You

We’re looking for people who have:

  • Dynamic and high-profile experience of obtaining the best permissions possible, and committed to green energy transition, you’ll be comfortable and consistently successful in your interactions and communications with critical stakeholders such as Local Planning Authorities and Statutory Consultees.
  • Experience in the delivery of consents and environmental impact assessment (EIA) related activities in support of complex construction projects, to programme, cost and specification including during the development and delivery phases of projects.
  • Capability in effectively leading and managing a substantive multi-disciplinary consents and environmental team comprising both internal and external resources, to deliver consents, stakeholder engagement and EIA related activities.
  • Strategic understanding of energy infrastructure planning and policy to support project development and delivery.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with an ability to present complex and contentious information to large and/or challenging external audiences.
  • Strong Project Management skills, specifically in relation to time, cost (forecast and actuals), scope, procurement and managing consents and environmental resources.

You will be flexible, proactive and enthusiastic, as well as keen to develop your knowledge whilst supporting the more senior members of your team.

You may have a degree or masters in a planning or environment specialism, or equivalent experience, and ideally membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

We’ll provide support too if you are currently completing certifications.

You’ll need a UK driving license to engage with other colleagues and community stakeholders around the UK.

What You’ll Get

You’ll receive a competitive starting salary of £50,000 to £65,000 dependant on role with progression in post.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on 15 February 2024, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Interviews will be held between 21 – 29 February 2024 via Teams or in person.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

We’re committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.