Consents DCO Manager - (remote within UK)

Job Title

Consents / DCO Manager (remote within UK, site visit on the east coast - 1-2 days a month in Warwick)

Grade
D

Role Summary
Develop, manage, and lead a team of Consent Officers, utilizing your expertise in planning, consenting, and project management to deliver high-quality economic consenting and environmental assessment services for NetZero Projects. Ensure that project consents are delivered economically, in accordance with current legislation, regulations, guidance, and internal best practices, while enhancing our reputation.

Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the consenting process, collaborating with legal, land, engineering, and stakeholder management teams to secure consent and maintain compliance post-award.
Provide technical consents strategy guidance and support, reporting directly to the Project Director, Senior Management team, and disciplinary leads. Manage the DCO, TCP(S)A, Pipelines Act process, and associated workstreams to obtain planning consents for projects.
Lead, manage, and coordinate the environmental assessment process.
Identify and communicate all consents risks to the project program, propose mitigations, and implement agreed mitigations effectively.
Work with the External Affairs lead to develop, lead, and manage engagement strategies for strategic stakeholder relationships, acting as the key interface between external and internal teams.
Serve as an expert witness at DCO hearings, public inquiries, etc., and coach and mentor other Consents Officers to give evidence.
Manage consents and environmental consultants related to the project consenting process, including proactive management of external supplier resourcing and finances.
Performance manage and develop a growing team of Consents Officers.
Promote and ensure the safety, security, and personal health and mental well-being of the team.
About You
Highly motivated individual with in-depth knowledge of the UK planning system and practical experience in delivering consents and related assessments on complex infrastructure schemes.
Experience in delivering consents and EIA-related activities in support of DCO, major, and complex multi-site projects to program, cost, and specification.
Proven track record of consenting Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, with experience across all project lifecycle stages from option development to onsite delivery.
Excellent communication skills and experience working with a range of key consenting stakeholders, building strong and effective relationships to resolve challenges.
Proven ability to negotiate with a wide range of external stakeholders, managing often conflicting objectives.
Strong project management skills, specifically in time, scope, procurement, and managing consents resources.
Experienced in managing complex programs and project budgets, with a willingness to challenge ways of working and deliver efficiencies to reduce project consenting costs.
Ability to identify and manage risk and communicate complex matters.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting complex and contentious information to large and/or challenging external audiences.
Previous experience leading project and staff teams, with the ability to motivate and drive team success.
Ability to work collaboratively across the wider business, representing the consents discipline at senior levels to support and achieve project delivery.
Understanding of regulated business funding mechanisms.
Valid UK driving license.
Qualifications
Relevant degree in Town and Country Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Surveying, or equivalent.
Professional memberships such as MRTPI, MILA, MIEMA, MRICS, or equivalent.
Project management qualifications such as Prince 2 or APM.
Ready to join a growing company and make a difference? Apply now and become part of our dedicated team!