DCO Project Manager

About The Role

This is the time for action – we need to move at pace and reform our energy system – to deliver energy security, to tackle climate change and to protect our people. 

As DCO Project manager you will manage the co-ordination of nationally significant infrastructure projects and use your technical understanding of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process to help obtain consent for the green energy projects that will drive the move to Net Zero. 

Coordinating the preparation of DCO applications and the examination phase of our major infrastructure projects, you will work on the Chesterfield to Willington project.

You’ll be part of a team with a very strong track record in gaining DCO approvals; we have a large inhouse team and use consultants for specific specialisms as required. You’ll be involved at every stage of the project lifecycle and the co-ordination aspect of the DCO application and examination for the major infrastructure project you are working on.

This role is Variable Based in Chesterfield. You will be expected to travel to multiple operational and delivery sites and locations throughout your working week based on project demands. Operational or delivery roles requiring attendance at multiple sites within a region.

About You

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• You have a comprehensive understanding and experience of the Planning Act 2008 and Infrastructure Planning Regulations, Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes, and others, as may be required.
• You have a degree in a relevant subject, or relevant project management experience specific to DCO projects and the legal requirements of the Planning Act 2008 and relevant regulations and advice notes.
• We’re open to the kind of background you might have experience of, for example you might come from rail, roads, airports, water or waste before National Grid. Your knowledge and experience of the DCO process is more important than the kind of industry you’ve worked in.
• You will be responsible for ensuring administrative support teams and the wider project team complete work correctly, as they input into the relevant documents.
• You are a clear, concise, and open communicator. You are a positive addition to your team and committed to contributing to a supportive work environment.
• You have the flexibility to travel as and when required, mostly to the Chesterfield project office, our National Grid office near East Midlands airport and to the supplier office in Birmingham.

What You'll Do

• Co-ordinating and managing the input of a multi-disciplinary technical team to prepare and deliver all relevant documents throughout the project stages.

• Creating a list of deliverables and the schedule for them, ensuring project team members from all disciplines understand their assigned roles and responsibilities.

• Working with the DCO Project Management Team, Consents Team, Project Management Team and Document Controller to ensure an efficient review process of all deliverables, and final production of the application and examination submissions. Continually aiming to drive efficiencies and value for money whilst also preserving National Grid’s reputation.

• Managing the administration of application documents (there could be up to 200 documents per application). Ensuring National Grid meet all legal requirements of the planning application for a project requiring consent under the Planning Act 2008.

• Ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery of DCO documentation, by making sure the necessary processes and controls are in place.

• Managing the examination, including written submissions, hearing management venues, training requirements and all statutory processes.

• Take a main role, alongside the Senior DCO Project Manager, for the implementation plan, preparation, delivery, co-ordination, management and effective running of the pre-application, pre-examination and examination phase of the DCO process.

• Providing accurate and timely project status reports to ensure robust tracking and reporting.

• Feeding into communications with the Planning Inspectorate, working with the project team on all procedural matters relating to application submission and examination.

• Co-ordinating stakeholder engagement across multi-disciplinary teams in respect of the DCO.

• Managing stakeholder issues in a way that preserves National Grid’s reputation.

• Co-ordinating all procedural requirements under the Planning Act 2008 and all other regulations relevant to the delivery of the DCO Project.

• Co-ordinating procedural requirements at each stage of the project process including statutory consultation, application submission, pre-examination and examination.

• Managing acceptance of the DCO by the Planning Inspectorate. This will include managing Section 56 of the project; ensuring it remains compliant with legislation, including roles, responsibilities and programme, and co-ordinating the drafting and approval of notices and letters.

• In advance of the examination, leading on the development and implementation of a plan to deliver this phase. Including establishing processes and procedures required, including any associated training for the team.

• Managing examination logistics. This will involve identifying proposed locations for hearings to PINS, co-ordinating and planning accompanied/unaccompanied sites visits and routes and identifying and procuring a hearing production company.

What you’ll get

A competitive salary between £54,000-£63,000 – dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

About Us

The British Energy Security Strategy set out the Government's ambition to connect up to 50GW of offshore generation to the electricity network by 2030. Facilitating this ambition will require significant reinforcements to the onshore electricity transmission network. National Grid Strategic Infrastructure will make this happen.

Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people.

Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via the Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future.

Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.

More Information

This role closes on 11th June at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. 

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

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