Consent Manager - Town Planning

The UK government has made a pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and, as such, is pushing ahead with significant investment in nuclear and renewable energies.
Assystem, as a leading provider of project management, design & construction supervision services within the nuclear industry, has aligned its own strategy to support this switch to low-carbon energy, whilst also recognising transport and infrastructure systems to be a major factor in influencing the outcome of government policy.
By acquiring Schofield Lothian in 2021, Assystem reaffirmed their commitment to the UK’s energy transition in combining strengths with a long-established provider of consultancy services to the transport and infrastructure sectors, through the delivery of sustainable performance improvements within four practice areas: Consents & Engagement; Commercial Management; Project Management; and Environment & Sustainability.
Job Description
We are seeking to identify a Senior and/or Consultant, with a Town Planning background to join our team to provide clients consents and town planning advice for major infrastructure projects.
We would also expect candidates to have a strong Town Planning background and knowledge of wider consents permits and licenses required to implement new developments.
We specifically seek somebody with experience of managing a caseload of applications and who has experience of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects or other large infrastructure project or significant EIA development.
You are to be responsible for evaluating consents requirements to ensure that Assystem deploy a cost effective and sustainable solution to our client.
Initial role is likely to be assist in the delivery and progress of civil engineering works across a 90km section of HS2, the new high speed rail link. Knowledge of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and a thorough understanding of the legislative requirements required under the HS2 Act or similar Act of Parliament, such as the Crossrail Act would be preferred.
You are to be responsible for evaluating consents and engagement requirements under the HS2 Act and the associated Environmental Minimum Requirements to ensure that Schofield Lothian deploy a cost effective and sustainable solution to our client.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Promotion and delivery of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects through Development Consent Order (DCO) legislation
Delivery of technical engagement programmes for stakeholders including local authorities, statutory and non-statutory bodies and the general public
Stakeholder facilitation, negotiation and mediation
Planning and consenting legislation
Statutory planning policy advice and appraisal
Strategic management of consents deliverables
Consents application preparation
Collaborative and cross disciplinary working
Project management and co-ordination of large, multi-disciplinary teams
Skills & Experience:
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive internal and external relationships at all levels.
Good negotiation / collaboration skills to ensure full support within the framework.
Embraces and leads change with an ability to influence and implement best practice internally and at project level.
High levels of resilience and adaptability
Proven ability to influence and persuade key stakeholders.
Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering stakeholder engagement and managing communications that are underpinned by a customer focus.
Strong commercial acumen.
Behavioural Qualities:
We place great emphasis on both written and verbal communication; those that flourish within our organisation are naturally inclined to engage with their colleagues & stakeholders alike and to be proactive in reaching out to others in overcoming hurdles.
In common with many places of work, we seek personnel that are professional, positive, open and honest. We would expect the successful candidate to exhibit the following behavioural traits:
Ability to see things differently – prepared to question standard approaches in order to manage consenting risks and programme deadlines
Support and develop – create a local leadership team by delegation, coaching and mentoring
Decisiveness – makes day-to-day business choices that have commercial implications, knowing when to inform others or ask for support.
Qualifications
Person profile:
Relevant degree
Member of Professional Body (MRTPI)
Additional Information
5+ years knowledge of delivering projects through the Town & Country Planning Act legislation
Prior experience of delivering a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project through the Planning Act 2008 legislation or similar including large EIA projects
Up to date with latest developments in Professional Competence
Benefits include:
Pension scheme (8% company contribution / 4% personal contribution)
25 days’ paid annual leave + bank holidays + option to buy or sell days
Professional fees reimbursed
Flexible working
Employee referral scheme
Hybrid remote/in-office
We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.