Consents Manager

Consents DCO Manager - 12 month FTC

£58,000 to £70,000

UK, Hybrid (3 days office, 2 days remote)

Based out of nearest main office (Warwick, Warrington, Nottingham, Bristol, Aberdeen, Livingston or Peterborough).

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.

Are you ready to play a leading role in delivering nationally significant infrastructure that supports the UK’s Net Zero ambitions? As a Consents DCO Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of securing the permissions that make major energy projects possible, helping to power the future while balancing environmental, community, and regulatory priorities.

This is a high-impact leadership role within our Major Programmes team, where you’ll lead the consenting strategy across complex, high-value infrastructure projects. From early development through to delivery, you’ll ensure we secure the necessary consents efficiently, responsibly, and in line with legislation, protecting both programme outcomes and our reputation.

• Leading and managing consenting strategies across multiple large-scale infrastructure projects, including DCO, TCP(A) and Pipelines Act processes.
• Overseeing and coordinating Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to support successful consent applications.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to Project Directors and senior stakeholders, providing expert guidance on consents risks, mitigation strategies, and programme impacts.
• Building and managing relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, landowners, communities, and internal teams.
• Leading stakeholder engagement strategies in partnership with External Affairs teams.
• Acting as an expert witness at hearings and public inquiries, and coaching others to do the same.
• Managing external consultants and suppliers, including budgets, performance, and resource planning.
• Leading, developing, and motivating a growing team of Consents Officers.

You’re a confident and collaborative leader who thrives in complex environments, bringing clarity to ambiguity and building trust with a wide range of stakeholders. You combine strong technical expertise with excellent communication skills, enabling you to influence, negotiate, and drive progress at all levels.

Essential:

• Proven experience delivering consents for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
• In-depth knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting processes, including DCO and EIA.
• Strong track record of managing complex, multi-site infrastructure projects to time, cost, and quality.
• Experience engaging and negotiating with diverse stakeholders, including regulators, landowners, and communities.
• Demonstrable leadership experience, including managing teams and driving high performance.
• Strong project management capability across scope, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting complex or contentious information.
• Relevant degree (e.g. Planning, Environmental Sciences, EIA or similar) and professional membership (e.g. MRTPI, MIEMA, MRICS or equivalent).
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable:

• Experience in managing multiple DCO's simultaneously or Linear DCO experience.
• Understanding of funding mechanisms within regulated businesses.
• A track record of driving efficiencies and innovation in consenting processes.

• Annual bonus of 15% based on personal and company performance
• 28 days’ holiday plus statutory holidays - option available to buy extra or sell days
• 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 10x salary death in service and financial support if you’re unable to work due to long term…