Lead Consents Officer

National Gas; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK is hiring a Lead Consents Officer to manage the consents process for major infrastructure projects. This role involves leading a team, ensuring compliance with laws, and managing stakeholder relationships to support the UK’s transition to a hydrogen economy. Ideal candidates will have experience in environmental assessments and project management, with a relevant degree. This position also offers extensive benefits including a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

26 days' holiday plus statutory holidays

Double-match pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Employee assistance programme

Free gym and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Experience delivering consents and EIAs for major infrastructure projects.
• Strong record in leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• In-depth knowledge of DCO, consents, and town planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Consents Officers.
• Oversee the preparation of Development Consent Order applications.
• Collaborate with various teams to secure necessary consents.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Team leadership

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related field

Job description

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in delivering some of the UK's most transformative energy projects? Join us as a Lead Consents Officer and help build the foundations in the nation's transition to a hydrogen economy by leading the consents process for nationally significant infrastructure projects. Your expertise in the early phases of these projects will directly support the UK's Net Zero ambitions, enhance our organisation's reputation, and make a lasting impact on communities and the environment.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing a team of Consents Officers and contractors to deliver project consents for nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• Overseeing the preparation and submission of a Development Consent Order (DCO) application and other planning consents, with support from Senior Managers, ensuring compliance with legislation and internal standards.
• Collaborating with land, engineering, and stakeholder management teams to secure and maintain consents post-award.
• Developing and implementing consent strategies, managing risks, costs, and reputational impacts.
• Acting as the key interface with external stakeholders, local communities, and regulatory bodies, representing the organisation at hearings, inquiries, and public events.
• Coaching, mentoring, and developing team members, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing environment.
• Managing supplier relationships, budgets, and resources to deliver value for money and project success.

Requirements

• You're a confident communicator and a natural collaborator, able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven experience delivering consents and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) activities for major, complex infrastructure projects, ideally linear schemes with multi‑site scopes.
• Strong track record in leading multi‑disciplinary teams (internal and external) to achieve project goals.
• In‑depth knowledge of DCO, consents and town planning.
• Experienced in Project Management, including forecasting, risk and budget management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with experience engaging large or challenging audiences.
• Relevant degree (e.g. Town and Country Planning, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Surveying).
• Ability to work strategically (see the bigger picture) and collaboratively across the business, representing the consents discipline at senior levels.

Desirable

• Chartered (MRTPI, MILA, MIEMA, MRICS or equivalent).

About National Gas

National Gas is securing Britain's energy. We transport gas throughout Great Britain, repair and maintain gas pipelines, and manage the meters that allow millions of homes and businesses to access the energy they need. We are the national gas network, providing secure energy to power Britain, achieve net zero, and maintain our industrial competitiveness.

Benefits

• 26 days' holiday plus statutory holidays – option available to buy extra or sell days.
• Overtime at 1.5× normal and then 2× on Sunday.
• Double‑match pension scheme – for every £1 you put in, we’ll add £2 (max company contribution 12%).
• Opt‑in flexible benefit scheme, including salary sacrifice private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans and more.
• Financial protection with 10× salary death in service and financial support if you're unable to work due to long‑term illness or injury.
• Excellent family friendly provisions – maternity/paternity/adoption/surrogacy/shared parental leave.
• Career progression, professional training and development – including access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24/7.
• Financial support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions.
• Flexible working hours.
• Free gym and exercise classes, subsidised canteen and coffee shop onsite at our Warwick office.
• Free parking.

Inclusive Recruitment

At National Gas, we are disability confident and we are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve. We celebrate the different experiences our colleagues bring to our organisation, and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Please let us know of any reasonable adjustments you need to perform your best.