Consents Manager

Consents Manager – Contract Inside IR35

Location – Home based with travel to client sites near Scotland

This is a hybrid role , with flexible home-based working, supported by Occasional Travel for client meetings .

• The Consents Manager will be responsible for identifying, advising on, and securing the environmental, planning, and highways consents required to support the successful delivery of a complex linear infrastructure scheme. The role includes proactive management of consent-related risks and compliance obligations and requires a confident communicator with experience navigating statutory processes, land agreements, and project commitments.
• The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining the project’s Commitments and Consents Register , coordinating with internal teams, external stakeholders, and subcontractors to ensure consents are obtained, tracked, and discharged appropriately throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Consents Management & Advisory
• Advise project teams on the consents, permissions, and approvals required for all stages of the works (including environmental, planning, highways, and utility-related consents).
• Act as a key point of contact for interface with planning authorities, highways authorities, and other consenting bodies.
• Lead the preparation and submission of consent applications, Section 50, Section 61, and associated undertakings or agreements.

Project Commitments & Registers

• Maintain and update the Commitments and Consents Register , ensuring it reflects current project scope, programme, and responsibilities.
• Track compliance with consent conditions, undertakings, and obligations throughout the delivery phases.
• Monitor and report on consent status and associated risks to the project leadership team.
• Stakeholder & Subcontractor Coordination
• Liaise with subcontractors and internal teams to ensure awareness and compliance with consent requirements.
• Undertake audits and compliance checks across the project to confirm delivery in line with consent obligations and approvals.
• Support planning for future works by advising on likely consenting timelines and dependencies.
• Interface with Land & Legal
• Support the management of land access issues, landowner agreements, and wayleaves where linked to consent requirements.
• Coordinate with project teams on the discharge of obligations under development agreements or planning conditions.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Law, or a relevant infrastructure or land-related discipline.
• Chartered or working towards chartered membership of the RTPI , IEMA , or equivalent professional body.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning and environmental legislation, including TCPA processes, highways consents, and statutory undertakings.
• Experience managing consents on large-scale infrastructure projects or linear schemes (e.g., highways, energy, rail, utilities).
• Ability to interpret and manage legal and planning obligations and coordinate with contractors to ensure compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and document management tools for tracking registers and compliance status.
• Full UK driving licence (travel to project sites required).

Desirable:

• Experience working on linear infrastructure projects
• Working knowledge of land acquisition processes and landowner liaison.
• Familiarity with GIS systems or project management software for infrastructure planning.

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