Lead Consents Officer

National Grid plc; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider is seeking a Lead Consents Officer to manage the consents process for major infrastructure projects. This hybrid role requires proven experience in stakeholder engagement and project management, as well as a relevant degree. The ideal candidate will lead a team, oversee necessary applications, and engage with external stakeholders to facilitate project delivery. Competitive benefits include an annual bonus, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is paramount.

Benefits

Annual bonus of 6% based on performance

26 days’ holiday plus statutory holidays

Flexible benefit scheme including private healthcare

Career progression and professional development

Free gym and exercise classes on site

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering consents and EIA activities for major, complex infrastructure projects.
• Strong track record in leading multi‑disciplinary teams to achieve project goals.
• In-depth knowledge of DCO, Consents, and town planning.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing a team of Consents Officers and contractors.
• Overseeing submission of Development Consent Order application.
• Collaborating with land, engineering, and stakeholder management teams.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Project management

Environmental Impact Assessment

Communication

Education

Relevant degree (e.g. Town and Country Planning)

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

Job description

Lead Consents Officer

Warwick or Nottingham, Hybrid (2/3 days a week) - UK wide travel

About us

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.

About the role

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.

As a Lead Consents Officer, you’ll be at the heart of major infrastructure delivery, ensuring that complex, high‑profile projects like Project Union East Coast secure the necessary consents efficiently, economically, and in line with best practice.

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.

What you'll be doing

• 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.

About you

You’re a confident communicator and a natural collaborator, able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Your leadership inspires teams to deliver their best, even in complex and challenging environments.

Key requirements & experience

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

What we offer

• Annual bonus of 6% based on personal and company performance
• 26 days’ holiday plus statutory holidays – option available to buy extra or sell days
• Overtime at x1.5 normal and then x2 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
• 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.

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