Lead Project Manager (DCO)

About The Role

The UK has set out its ambition to be net zero by 2050 and the energy industry is responding – together we are building a cleaner, greener Britain.

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

Leading the coordination and preparation of DCO applications and the examination phase of our major infrastructure projects, you will work on the Eastern Green Link 3 and 4 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 take ownership of the co-ordination aspect of the DCO application and examination for the major infrastructure project you are working on.

This role is hybrid and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

Leveraging this hybrid working, this team current work about 90% at home with visits to offices including Birmingham and London.

Occasional visits may be needed to our Lincolnshire connection with the frequency of visits likely to rise as the project matures in the next years.

As such a UK drivers license is needed.

We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements. 

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 has:

• A comprehensive understanding and demonstrable relevant experience of the Planning Act 2008 and Infrastructure Planning Regulations, Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes, and others, as may be required.
• Relevant project management experience specific with DCO projects and the legal requirements of the Planning Act 2008 and relevant regulations and advice notes.
• Experience in effectively leading administrative support teams and the wider project team to complete work correctly, as they input into the relevant documents.
• Experience of producing high quality and detailed information, often working under pressure.
• A clear, concise, and open communicator. You are a positive addition to your team and committed to contributing to a supportive work environment. Ability to engage effectively and productively with all relevant project stakeholders, internally and externally, at all levels whilst enhancing National Grid’s reputation.

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, combined with PM skills is more important than the kind of industry you’ve worked in.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.

What You'll Do

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Taking the lead in coordinating and managing the input of a multi-disciplinary technical team to prepare and deliver all relevant documents throughout the project stages.
• Being responsible for the identification of deliverables and the schedule for them, ensuring project team members from all disciplines understand their assigned roles and responsibilities.
• Having direct accountability to lead an efficient review process of all deliverables, and final production of the application and examination submissions. You will work with the project Document Controller and/or Production Management Lead 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 500 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.
• Working with the Senior DCO Project Manager to ensure the examination runs as smoothly as possible, including written submissions, hearing management venues, training requirements and all statutory processes.
• Take the lead in developing the implementation plan, preparation, delivery, co-ordination, management and effective running of the pre-examination and examination phase of the DCO process.

Naturally from all the above you’ll also be adept at timely project management, an excellent communicator, great at multi stakeholder management and be able to bring your sound knowledge of DCO process to help aid our project and engage our team.

What You'll Get

A competitive starting salary between £65,000 – £75,000 dependent on capability, plus £4500 non performance based supplement and a new hybrid or fully electric vehicle.

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

National Grid Strategic Infrastructure was set up in 2023 with special dispensation from Ofgem to accelerate 17 key projects across the UK in order to deliver infrastructure upgrades within timescales never seen before in the UK. This infrastructure will make Britain prepared for a 100% clean, energy future.

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 May 10th at 23:59

We strongly encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as roles can be closed early when volumes are high. Interviews will be held on or around May 22nd.

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, origin.

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