Lead Town Planner

As a Lead Town Planner at National Gas, you'll play a critical role in delivering major UK infrastructure projects, supporting the transition to a hydrogen-powered economy and enabling carbon capture and storage (CCUS) at scale. From nationally significant pipeline developments to programmes such as Project Union East Coast, your work will directly influence the UK's energy security and net zero commitments. This is a rare opportunity to operate at the forefront of the energy transition. You'll lead complex Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work, shape planning strategies for transformational programmes, and influence projects from the earliest stages - balancing environmental, community and regulatory considerations to unlock delivery. If you're motivated by purpose, scale and long-term impact, this role offers the platform to make a meaningful difference. What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and developing a team of planning and environmental specialists to deliver consents for nationally significant infrastructure projects supporting hydrogen and CCUS.
• Driving EIA strategy and coordinating multidisciplinary inputs from feasibility through to application and delivery.
• Overseeing preparation and submission of Development Consent Orders (DCO) and other planning applications.
• Working closely with engineering, land and stakeholder teams to influence design, minimise environmental impacts and secure robust planning outcomes.
• Developing and implementing planning strategies, 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 to build a high-performing, collaborative environment.
• Managing external consultants, budgets and resources to ensure value for money and successful delivery.
  
  You're a confident communicator and 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.
Key Requirements & Experience Essential:
• Proven experience delivering consents, town planning and EIA activities.
• Strong track record leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals.
• Project management experience including forecasting, risk and budget management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, including large or challenging audiences.
• Relevant degree (Town & Country Planning, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Surveying).
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively, representing the consents discipline at senior levels.
Desirable:
• Chartered (MRTPI, MILA, MIEMA, MRICS or equivalent).
  
  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. As the national gas network, we provide secure energy to power Britain, achieve net zero, and maintain industrial competitiveness.
  
  £56,897 to £69,000
Hybrid (2-3 days a week) - UK-wide travel Base office options: Nottingham, Warwick, Bristol, Peterborough or Warrington,
• Annual bonus of 6% based on personal and company performance.
• 26 days' holiday plus statutory holidays, with options to buy or sell days.
• Overtime at x1.5 (and x2 on Sundays).
• Double-match pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution).
• Flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, tech schemes and more.
• Financial protection with 10x salary death-in-service and long-term illness support.
• Excellent family-friendly provisions.
• Career progression, professional training and access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Employee assistance programme with 24/7 confidential counselling.
• Financial support for professional membership subscriptions.
Inclusive Recruitment National Gas is disability confident and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to request any reasonable adjustments needed to perform at your best.