Lead Town Planner

Lead Town Planner Hybrid (2/3 days a week) - UK wide travel

Based out of one of our office locations, Nottingham, Warwick, Bristol, Peterborough or Warrington.

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.

As a Lead Town Planner at National Gas, you’ll play a critical role in delivering the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, supporting the transition to a hydrogen‑powered economy and enabling carbon capture and storage (CCUS) m nationally significant pipeline developments to projects like Project Union East Coast, your work will directly influence the UK's energy security and ensure Net Zero commitments are met.

This is a rare opportunity to operate at the forefront of the energy transition, leading on complex Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work and driving planning strategies for high‑profile, transformational programmes. You’ll be instrumental in shaping projects from the earliest stages, balancing environmental, community and regulatory considerations to unlock delivery.

If you’re motivated by purpose, scale and the chance to make a lasting impact on both infrastructure and the environment, this role offers the platform to do just that.

• Leading and developing a team of planning and environmental specialists to deliver consents for nationally significant infrastructure projects supporting hydrogen and CCUS.
• Driving Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) strategy and coordinating multidisciplinary inputs to shape projects from early feasibility through to application and delivery.
• Overseeing the preparation and submission of Development Consent Orders (DCO) and other planning applications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and best practice.
• Collaborating closely with engineering, land and stakeholder teams to influence project design, minimise environmental impacts, and secure robust, deliverable planning outcomes.
• Developing and implementing planning strategies, proactively managing programme risks, costs, and reputational considerations.
• Acting as a key interface with regulators, local authorities, and communities, representing the organisation at examinations, hearings, and engagement events.
• Coaching and mentoring team members, creating a high‑performing, collaborative environment.
• Managing external consultants, budgets, and resources to ensure value for money and successful project delivery.

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.

• Proven experience delivering consents, town planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) activities.
• Strong track record in leading multi‑disciplinary teams (internal and external) to achieve project goals.
• 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).

• 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 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…