Head of Land Rights and Consent

Head of Land Rights and Consents - UK Wide - Competitive Salary

About the role

Step into a career defining role leading land access and consenting for nationally significant hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure that will shape how the country transports low carbon energy for decades to come.

Our flagship multi-molecule strategy programmes including, Project Union (the hydrogen transmission backbone) and SCO2T Connect (the CO₂ transport network) depend on timely, legally robust land access and consents. 

Your leadership will unlock sites, secure permissions, and de risk delivery so these strategic programmes move from vision to reality.

What you’ll do

• Set and lead the strategy for all land rights and consenting activity, aligned to programme milestones, regulation, and environmental obligations, acting as the senior authority on land and consent matters at programme level.
• Secure land access and acquisition through voluntary agreements, easements and, where required, CPOs backed by robust land referencing, mapping and data management.
• Deliver planning and consents including DCOs, TCPA applications and other statutory permissions; oversee EIAs, HRAs and technical studies to underpin approvals.
• Lead engagement with landowners, tenants, local authorities, statutory consultees and communities, representing the organisation at consultations, hearings and inquiries.
• Build and steer a high performing team of internal specialists and external partners (land agents, planners, legal and environmental consultants) to deliver to time, cost and quality.
• Own risk and governance for land and consents, anticipating issues, mitigating legal/reputational risks, and providing transparent reporting to programme leadership and regulators.

What we are looking for

What you’ll bring (Essential)

• Deep experience in land rights, planning and consents for major infrastructure (ideally energy, utilities or transport).
• Proven success delivering large scale planning consents/DCOs.
• Strong working knowledge of UK land law, planning legislation and environmental regulation.
• Credibility with regulators (e.g. Planning Inspectorate, Environment Agency, Natural England) and a track record of complex negotiations and sensitive stakeholder management.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.

It’s great if you also have (Desirable)

• Experience in hydrogen, CCS or other low carbon infrastructure.
• Familiarity with GIS and land referencing systems.
• Knowledge of devolved planning systems (Scotland and Wales).
• Degree in Land Management, Planning, Environmental Law (or related); chartered membership (e.g., RICS, RTPI, IEMA) highly desirable.

What we can offer you

• Annual bonus of 20% based on personal and company performance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Benefit Driver - An EV or plug-in hybrid company car or cash alternative
• 28 days’ holiday plus statutory holidays - option available to buy extra or sell days
• Double-match pension scheme - for every £1 you put in, we'll add £2 (max company contribution 12%)
• Opt-In flexible benefit scheme, including salary sacrifice private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans and more
• Financial protection with 10x salary death in service and financial support if you're unable to work due to long term illness or injury
• Excellent family friendly provisions - maternity/paternity/adoption/surrogacy/shared parental leave
• Career progression, professional training and development – including access to LinkedIn Learning
• Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24/7
• Financial support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions 

About us

National Gas is securing Britain’s energy.  Gas is an essential part of a secure energy supply in Britain, and will continue to play a vital role for decades to come.  More than ever, we need the security that gas brings to keep the lights on, businesses running, and to protect jobs. National Gas provides that security.

We are responsible for transporting gas to power stations, major industries, storage facilities, more than 500,000 businesses, and 23 million homes through nearly 5,000 miles of pipes across Britain.

National Gas is also proud to lead the way in transforming the energy network for a net zero future. Gas provides the energy security to support renewable electricity generation, and we are developing our infrastructure to transport hydrogen and carbon dioxide across the country. 

We are committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve.  We celebrate the different experiences our colleagues bring to our organisation, and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. 

Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take a chance and apply anyway! At National Gas we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. 


#LI-CT1
#LI-Hybrid