About The Role

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 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 take ownership of the co-ordination aspect of the DCO application and examination for the major infrastructure project you are working on.

This role will require regular travel, a few times a week to our Chesterfield, Castle Donnington or Birmingham office. We offer hybrid working where possible, nationwide travel may also be required occasionally.

About You

• You have 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• You have the flexibility to travel as and when required, mostly to the Chesterfield project office and to the supplier office in Birmingham.

What You'll Do

• Take 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Direct accountability for providing accurate and timely project status reports to ensure robust tracking and reporting.
• Lead 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.
• Leading 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.