Consents & Environment Manager

sse.com; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

An energy company based in the UK is seeking a Consents and Environment Manager to help drive major national infrastructure projects. The role focuses on facilitating Scotland’s transition to net zero through renewable energy transmission. Candidates should have strong knowledge of the Scottish planning process, proven project management skills, and a relevant degree. The position offers competitive salary and various flexible benefits, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Discounts on private healthcare

Wellbeing benefits

Interest-free loans on tech and transport

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Scottish planning process and Environmental Impact Assessment legislation.
• Proven project management skills overseeing major projects.
• Degree in relevant field and experience in infrastructure or consultancy.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams with consenting and environmental contract specifications.
• Develop relationships with consenting bodies and statutory authorities.
• Secure Planning Permission for significant electricity infrastructure projects.

Skills

Scottish planning process knowledge

Project management skills

Experience with EIA legislation

Proactive and adaptable approach

Education

Degree in Environmental or Planning disciplines

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Perth, Aberdeen or Inverness.

Salary: £35,200 - £64,000 + performance‑related bonus + car/car allowance + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

At SSEN Transmission, we're at the forefront of the UK's journey to net zero, supporting the development and delivery of major, large‑scale terrestrial transmission infrastructure. We have an opportunity for a Consents and Environment Manager to work on iconic national infrastructure projects, directly facilitating Scotland’s ambitions to meet Net Zero through the transmission of renewable energy.

While the role spans both the development and construction phases, its primary focus is on driving successful consenting and environmental delivery during construction. This offers a unique perspective and challenge within the consenting journey, ensuring projects can transition smoothly from design into delivery on the ground. You’ll join an award‑winning team, renowned for its sector‑leading planning and sustainability initiatives, gaining valuable experience, support, and guidance. With a high level of autonomy in your projects, you’ll be encouraged to introduce new ideas that strengthen the consenting approach, and those contributions will be rewarded with excellent long‑term career opportunities.

You will

• Support multi‑disciplinary project teams in preparing for site construction, coordinating the timely discharge of conditions, and ensuring consenting and environmental contract specifications are robust and fully compliant with all consent and statutory obligations through construction.
• Develop and maintain mutually beneficial external stakeholder relationships with consenting bodies, statutory authorities, key consultees, and government departments.
• Work with project teams during project development stages to secure Planning Permission and Electricity Act consents for nationally significant electricity infrastructure projects, including Planning Permission, Electricity Act, and Environmental consents.
• Coordinate site appraisals and optioneering studies to ensure all consenting and technical risks are understood and incorporated into the development and refinement of project design.
• Manage external consultations to deliver proportionate and robust Environmental Impact Assessments, while continuing to build strong relationships with consenting bodies, statutory authorities, key consultees, and government departments.

You have

• Strong knowledge of the Scottish planning process, consenting regimes, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation, with experience in the Scottish rural environment.
• Proven project management skills in overseeing consenting and environmental site compliance for major projects, including project definition and setup, external consultant management, cost management, project risk, quality assurance, and programme management.
• A degree in Environmental or Planning disciplines, ideally with a postgraduate qualification, and experience in a relevant industry (e.g., infrastructure, construction, environmental planning, statutory bodies, or consultancy). Membership with a relevant professional body is desirable.
• Experience with construction processes, including ground investigation, earthworks, drainage, and access works.
• A proactive and adaptable approach, embracing challenges and opportunities within a changing environment.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

SSEN Transmission owns and operates the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that's not all – we're upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] or 01738 351671 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.