Consents Manager in London

Project Overview: Join us for an extraordinary opportunity. Be part of a major aviation project in the Greater London area, that will redefine the future of air travel and delivery excellence. We’re building a dynamic team to plan and deliver complex, high-impact work, at the heart of one of the region’s most innovative and fast-moving developments. If you’re motivated, hands-on, and thrive in the energy of large-scale infrastructure and aviation projects, this is your opportunity to thrive and make a real difference. Join a collaborative, fast-paced environment, where ambition, collaboration, and momentum drive success - and play a pivotal role in delivering transformation projects that will shape the future of aviation. The project scope includes planning, design, integration and delivery of major airfield infrastructure, buildings, systems and associated periphery infrastructure. Be part of our exciting infrastructure project in the UK—register your interest by applying now!

Job Summary: In this role, you will be responsible for leading the strategy, coordination, and execution of all statutory consents and approvals necessary for the DCO and related secondary consents. Serving as the essential link between design, legal requirements, and land matters, you will oversee the interface between complex engineering needs and the statutory protections afforded to affected parties. Your role ensures that the project obtains all required permissions for construction and operation while upholding the highest standards of stakeholder integrity.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the Consents Strategy, integrated schedule, and risk register for DCO and secondary consents (e.g., environmental permits, highways agreements, protective provisions).
• Establish and manage the Master Consents Register, rolling look-ahead, and reporting to programme leadership.
• Pre-application - Coordinate consultation, Statements of Common Ground, and evidence capture.
• Examination - Manage responses, hearings, and trackers for Examining Authority Questions and actions.
• Post-decision: Lead the Post-Consent phase, managing the discharge of DCO Requirements and the implementation of Section 106 agreements and community fund obligations.
• Act as the primary representative for the project in meetings with Local Authorities, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Department for Transport (DfT).
• Navigate complex relationships with affected homeowners, local community groups, and NGOs, balancing project needs with robust mitigation and compensation strategies.

Statutory Compliance: Ensure all documentation (Environmental Statements, Consultation Reports and Draft Orders) meets the strict requirements of the Planning Act 2008 and the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS). Work with land referencing and legal teams to prepare the Book of Reference and Statement of Reasons. Manage the powers for temporary use of land during construction.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Degree in planning, environmental law/management, engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record delivering NSIP/DCO consents—ideally in aviation or major infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of Planning Act 2008, EIA/HRA, and secondary consents.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage complex schedules, risk registers, and reporting frameworks.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Degree in planning, environmental law/management, engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record delivering NSIP/DCO consents—ideally in aviation or major infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of Planning Act 2008, EIA/HRA, and secondary consents.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage complex schedules, risk registers, and reporting frameworks.

Desirable:

• Airport/airfield project experience.
• Professional accreditation (RTPI, ISEP, IES, CEnv) and project management certification (APM/PMI/Prince2).
• Direct experience in the Compulsory Purchase Process (CPO) process and land referencing.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate with high-level statutory bodies and maintain project momentum in the face of intense public scrutiny.
• Aviation Knowledge: Understanding of Noise Envelopes, Surface Access Strategies and the Airports National Policy Statement.

Total Rewards/Benefits: For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth.

Diverse teams build the extraordinary: As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent. We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of 'One Team,' respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably.