Environment Manager
Application Deadline: 10 July 2026
Department: Development
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Cardiff
Reporting To: Laura Williams
Compensation: £65,000 / year
At Green Gen Cymru, we are building a green energy network for Wales that delivers 100% renewable electricity. This role is crucial for ensuring reliable and resilient distribution that satisfies our renewable and climate ambitions, while supporting rural communities through investment, jobs, and skills.
We are focused on creating a robust network that brings renewable energy from wind‑rich areas to homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and communities, meeting Welsh Government’s 100% renewable electricity target by 2035.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of a natural‑capital strategy for the GGC portfolio and individual grid projects.
- Coordinate, prepare, and submit multiple Development Consent Orders, Infrastructure Consent Orders, and TCPA applications under external scrutiny.
- Collaborate with Senior Project Managers to provide environmental advice throughout the planning and development process.
- Design and deliver environmental surveys, mitigation, biodiversity net gain, habitat management, and cultural/nature enhancement measures aligned with Welsh Government objectives, legislation and planning policy.
- Integrate environmental strategy into project development to maximise consentability and long‑term asset performance.
Environmental Strategy & Natural Capital
- Lead the development and implementation of a clear, deliverable environmental and natural capital strategy across the portfolio and for individual projects.
- Ensure environmental strategy is embedded in project development, driving early decision‑making and influencing design to maximise consentability and long‑term asset performance.
Consentability & Environmental Risk Management
- Identify, assess and actively manage environmental risks and constraints across all projects.
- Shape mitigation and enhancement strategies that are proportionate, deliverable and aligned with programme, cost and buildability considerations.
- Act as a key decision‑maker in balancing environmental, engineering and commercial considerations, providing clear recommendations to the project and senior leadership teams.
EIA Scope, Delivery & Technical Assurance
- Define and control the scope of Environmental Impact Assessments to support a defensible planning application.
- Provide strategic oversight and technical assurance of all environmental deliverables.
- Hold consultants accountable for quality, programme and proportionality, ensuring outputs meet regulatory requirements and project needs.
Project Integration & Design Influence
- Work with Senior Project Managers and engineering teams to integrate environmental considerations into project optioneering, design development and programme delivery.
- Drive environmental inputs to design decisions, ensuring risks are managed and opportunities for innovation, enhancement and best practice are realised.
- Ensure environmental workstreams are aligned with project programmes and do not create unnecessary delays to application submission or examination.
Stakeholder Interface & External Positioning
- Lead engagement with statutory bodies, NGOs and interest groups for a constructive consenting process.
- Support the development of clear and compelling environmental narratives within applications, consultation and examination.
- Provide strategic input to External Affairs to align environmental and biodiversity messaging with project outcomes.
Key Accountabilities
- Collaborate with the wider Development Team to identify environmental constraints and risks early, ensuring practical solutions.
- Identify and design environmental initiatives for each project that are proportionate, policy‑compliant and capable of supporting a robust planning application.
- Provide focused technical input and review across EIAs and supporting documentation.
- Support and challenge project teams in managing external environmental consultants.
- Set direction for environmental performance beyond consent, translating commitments into practical deliverable measures.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- In‑depth understanding of environmental/regulatory opportunities and challenges in grid development and renewable industry.
- Detailed knowledge of consenting drivers for successful linear infrastructure and key project risks.
- Deep understanding of planning system and environmental policy relating to grid and renewable energy development.
- Experience drafting technical chapters and managing large EIA projects.
- Familiarity with Habitats Regulations Assessment, environmental permits, and integration with planning system and EIA.
- Knowledge of ecological, cultural and environmental initiatives for best‑in‑class environmental performance.
- Excellent interpersonal, entrepreneurial, resilience, organisational, coordination, influencing and negotiation skills.
Experience & Qualifications
- Degree in environmental science, environmental management or equivalent.
- ISEP (or similar) membership desirable.
- 8–15 years significant experience in environmental consultancy, in‑house environmental management on large‑scale infrastructure or construction projects.
- Track record of leading the strategy and implementation of environmental initiatives within resource and budget constraints.
- Successful engagement with planning authorities and other stakeholders.
- Production and delivery of large‑scale infrastructure planning applications, environmental statements and habitat/net gain plans.
Benefits
- Hybrid work structure available.
- Core hours and time off in lieu throughout the week.
- Fridays are no‑meeting days for downtime.
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Private medical insurance from day 1 with direct mental health pathways and support for immediate family.
- Annual pay review and discretionary bonus.
- Employer pension contributions up to 7 %.
- Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice.
- Cycling to work scheme.
- Tech scheme – discounts on latest technology for personal use.
- Life assurance, income protection and travel insurance.
- Enhanced policies and provisions supporting colleagues.
- Regular team socials, activities, sports events and charity fundraisers.
