​

​Client

My client are a household name Private Equity firm who are looking for a Head of Planning to manage the grid connections of their DCO Solar & Storage projects. They are planning a 5GW pipeline and the successful candidate will be given an equity stake in the business.

Purpose of Role

• Leading the development, deployment, and delivery of consenting strategy throughout the lifecycle of projects and programmes

• Implementing programmes of work to prepare applications in accordance with established systems, processes, procedures, policies, and regulations

• Maintaining up-to-date awareness of legislative, technical and policy changes in planning, environmental and government matters

• Providing technical support and advice to identify and co-ordinate permissions across a programme of works including land acquisition, community engagement, protective provisions, consents, and requirements

• Leading and advising on various permissions required for DCO delivery, including liaising with consent granting bodies and engaging with stakeholders, preparing applications and supporting material where required

• Providing assurance and review throughout design and delivery of works to ensure compliance with project scope and DCO consenting requirements

• Managing and monitoring progress of consent-related elements, such as the consent register, master programme, protective provisions, and compulsory purchase orders

• Delivering DCO compliance workshops informing project teams of consents requirements, ensuring they are incorporated into processes and procedures

• Managing the Environmental Impact Assessment workstream to ensure deliverables are co-ordinated with the broader timetable of DCO design and consultation

• Preparing Consents Management Plan to capture all required consents

• Working with the project controls team to ensure all permissions timelines are factored into the project programme

• Facilitating expert planning and legal review of the draft DCO application and EIA at appropriate points in the programme

Qualifications / Skills Sought:

• Relevant professional chartership (or being able to demonstrate that you are working towards this).

• Planning- or EIA-related experience that could include developments under Hybrid Bill, NSIP/DCO, Transport and Works Act Order, Town and Country Planning and/or other relevant consenting regimes.

• Excellent problem solving and time management abilities.

• Proven project management abilities, including management of the commercial aspects of project delivery

• A track-record of successful client engagement and business development.

• Passion for growing the business, as well as being highly motivated and able to work both independently with limited direction and effectively as part of a growing team.

• Excellent communication, team and people management skills.