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- Tasks: Lead the DCO strategy for Heathrow's expansion and modernisation projects.
- Company: Heathrow Airport, a leader in aviation and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on major infrastructure projects and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in DCO processes and strong understanding of UK planning law.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and collaboration in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The DCO Development Director role is critical to ensuring that Heathrow secures all the necessary planning consents required to deliver the Expanding Heathrow and Modernising Heathrow schemes in a timely, cost-effective manner. The role leads the strategic development, coordination, and submission of the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Expanding Heathrow Programme. This key role is accountable for ensuring the DCO application is comprehensive, legally robust, and aligned with Heathrow’s strategic, environmental, and stakeholder commitments. The DCO Development Director will oversee all critical activity required to secure consent for the programme under the Planning Act 2008.
- DCO Strategy & Leadership: Develop and lead the DCO strategy, ensuring alignment with programme objectives, statutory requirements, and stakeholder expectations. Develop a ‘best in class’ consultation strategy to ensure that the community and other key stakeholders have the chance to participate in the DCO process and their views are taken into account.
- Planning & Environmental Coordination: Develop & implement strategies to ensure Heathrow engages proactively with all key statutory & non-statutory stakeholders, including the Planning Inspectorate. Strategic oversight of surface access modelling activities that feed into the environmental impact assessment. Ensure all planning and environmental documentation meets the standards required by the Planning Inspectorate and relevant statutory bodies.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Lead the statutory and non-statutory consultation strategy and delivery, ensuring meaningful engagement with communities, stakeholders, and interest groups. Ensure consultation feedback is appropriately considered and integrated into the DCO submission. Ensure the programme DCO team builds and maintains strong relations with key external agencies and authorities.
- Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Manage legal advisors and ensure all aspects of the DCO process comply with the Planning Act 2008 and associated regulations. Oversee the preparation of legal documents including draft DCO, Statement of Reasons, Book of Reference, and Land Plans. Ensuring an effective planning approvals process is in place for all HAL developments (inc. DCOs, planning applications, consultations and advertisements) to support the delivery of consents, and strategies, obligations and legal agreements for achieving those consents.
- Indicative Performance Criteria: Timely submission of a complete and robust DCO application. Successful completion of statutory and non-statutory consultations. Positive feedback and engagement metrics from stakeholders and consultees. Planning Inspectorate acceptance of the DCO application. Compliance with statutory DCO timelines and legal requirements.
Extensive experience leading DCO processes for major infrastructure projects under the Planning Act 2008. Strong, applied understanding of UK planning law, environmental regulation, and infrastructure consenting. It is critical that the role holder has an excellent track record in influencing and managing complex stakeholder environments. Experience of leading a team of experts at varying levels of seniority, developing each individual to deliver their best. Must be an exceptional written and verbal communicator and advocate for the programme with strong strategic planning skills, inspiring their team to deliver under high pressure. Must be able to rapidly synthesise the many complexities of the planning process, scheme development, and Heathrow’s business so that this knowledge can be applied effectively to the issues, tasks and decisions in hand. Must be able to identify key strategic risks and implement effective strategies to mitigate these risks cross-functionally. Authoritative and convincing leadership style which conveys credibility and inspires confidence whilst influencing challenging stakeholders towards desired outcomes. Extensive experience in infrastructure sectors, with a strong background in policy, legal, or strategic roles. Ideally you will also have: Proven expertise in aviation, transport, and nationally significant infrastructure projects. Familiarity with Heathrow’s regulatory and planning context. Town & country planning and Environmental Impact Assessment experience preferred.
DCO Development Director in London employer: Heathrow
Contact Detail:
Heathrow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DCO Development Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand Heathrow’s current initiatives and challenges, especially around DCO processes. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the DCO Development Director role. Highlight your leadership skills and stakeholder management experience, as these are key to impressing the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace DCO Development Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the DCO Development Director role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see your extensive experience in leading DCO processes and managing complex stakeholder environments. Be specific about your past roles and achievements that relate to planning law and environmental regulations.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heathrow
✨Know Your DCO Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Development Consent Order process, especially as it relates to major infrastructure projects. Brush up on the Planning Act 2008 and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Strategies
Prepare to talk about your approach to stakeholder engagement. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments and how you ensured their feedback was integrated into project plans.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've developed teams in high-pressure situations. Share specific instances where your strategic planning skills led to successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As an exceptional communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain complex planning processes in simple terms, showcasing your ability to synthesise information and convey it effectively to various audiences.
