About the role

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.

As the NESO prepares for the introduction of competition within GB’s transmission system, the network competition team has a vacancy for a Senior Consents Specialist.

As Senior Consents Specialist within NESO, you will be instrumental in assessing projects for their suitability for competition, preparing for early competition tenders, and assessing bids against planning and consenting criteria. You will engage with senior stakeholders up to board level as well as regulatory bodies such as Ofgem and DESNZ in detailing the planning and consenting aspects with any selected projects for competition

This role can be based from Warwick, Wokingham, Glasgow or London, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

Key accountabilities

• Project Suitability Assessment: Conducting thorough evaluations of projects to determine their suitability for competition with respect to planning and consenting considerations.
• Technical Scope Preparation: Collaborating with the Technical Engineering Manager to integrate planning and consenting requirements into the technical scope of works for early competition tenders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Acting as the primary point of contact for planning and consenting matters relating to competition, liaising with regulatory bodies, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Identifying potential risks related to planning and consenting and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Bid Evaluation Support: Assisting in the evaluation of bids, focusing on the planning and consenting aspects to ensure bidder compliance with regulatory standards and project requirements.

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has:
• Extensive experience in planning and consenting specifically for large, linear infrastructure builds either onshore or offshore (or both).
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, environmental impact assessments, and land use planning.
• Understanding of acquisition procedures of land rights required for the construction and operation of linear infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.
• Possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

About what you'll get

A competitive salary between £55,000 - £65,000pa – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%..

About us

Traditionally, Britain’s energy system has been split into two areas – gas and electricity – but to ensure that Britain’s energy system is secure and affordable there needs to be co-ordination across the whole energy system, with one single entity responsible for translating policy into immediate strategy. National Energy System Operator (NESO) will bring unparalleled change.

Forge a path to a sustainable future for everyone.

Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)

In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.

NESO, including all of its existing roles, are now at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.

The organisation is set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As was the ESO, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

More Information

This role closes on 28/05/2025 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

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.
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