Applications and Permissions Lead

Job Description

About the role

We are seeking an Applications and Permissions Lead to support the delivery of the Skye Reinforcement Project, a major infrastructure programme involving 132kV overhead line and underground cable works.

This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end process for statutory applications, licences, and permissions, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met in line with programme timelines. You will work closely with regulators, project teams, and stakeholders to secure approvals and maintain compliance with environmental and planning legislation.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the preparation and submission of applications, licences, and supporting documentation to SEPA, NatureScot, and Highland Council
• Coordinate technical inputs including environmental assessments, reports, and management plans
• Ensure all submissions are accurate, complete, and compliant with relevant legislation, guidance, and requirements
• Track application progress and manage responses to regulator queries and requests for information
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and maintain strong working relationships
• Lead meetings, consultations, and discussions to support timely approvals
• Provide clear advice and updates to internal stakeholders on regulatory requirements and progress
• Work closely with engineering, environmental, planning, legal, and operations teams, as well as external consultants
• Develop and maintain submission programmes and trackers aligned with project timelines
• Identify risks to permissions and implement mitigation strategies
• Manage dependencies between consents and ensure alignment across the project
• Ensure all activities comply with environmental, planning, and licensing regulations
• Maintain accurate, auditable records of submissions, approvals, and correspondence
• Support audits and ensure documentation is readily accessible
• Monitor changes in legislation and regulatory guidance, advising the project accordingly
• Lead and coordinate resources involved in the applications and permissions process
• Develop and improve processes, templates, and best practices
• Support capability development and continuous improvement across the team

Who we’re looking for Essential:

• Experience managing regulatory applications and permissions, ideally within Scotland
• Strong understanding of environmental and planning regulations
• Experience working with SEPA, NatureScot, and/or local authorities
• Ability to coordinate complex submissions involving multiple stakeholders
• Strong written communication skills, particularly for formal documentation
• Excellent organisational and project management skills

Desirable:

• Background in environmental science, planning, engineering, or similar
• Experience with EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) or HRA (Habitats Regulations Appraisal)
• Experience within infrastructure, energy, or major projects
• Familiarity with GIS, ACC, or document management systems
• Understanding of commercial aspects such as budgets and invoicing

Qualifications:

• Degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Geography, Engineering, or similar (or equivalent experience)
• Professional membership (e.g., RTPI, IEMA, CIWEM) desirable

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life.

Key benefits include:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more.

Diversity and inclusion

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We also commit to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.