Environment Manager in Cardiff

At Green Gen Cymru, we’re acting now to build and operate a green energy network for Wales, that will make sure 100% renewable energy can flow to our homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and communities.

Location and Reporting

Cardiff, Wales (hybrid working). Reports to Consents Director Laura Williams.

Salary

£65,000 per annum (skills and experience dependent).

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a natural capital strategy for the GGC portfolio and for each grid project.
• Coordinate, prepare and submit multiple Development Consent Orders (DCO), Infrastructure Consent Orders (ICO) and TCPA applications in parallel.
• Provide environmental advice and input in partnership with Senior Project Managers to ensure successful project delivery through the planning and development process.
• Lead the development and implementation of a clear, deliverable environmental and natural capital strategy across the portfolio and individual projects.
• Embed environmental strategy in project development, driving early decision‑making and influencing design.
• Identify, assess and actively manage environmental risks and constraints across all projects.
• Shape mitigation and enhancement strategies to ensure they are proportionate, deliverable and aligned with programme, cost and buildability considerations.
• Act as a key decision‑maker balancing environmental, engineering and commercial considerations.
• Define and control scope of Environmental Impact Assessments, ensuring they are robust and proportionate.
• Provide strategic oversight and technical assurance of all environmental deliverables.
• Hold consultants to account on quality, programme and proportionality.
• Partner with engineering teams to integrate environmental considerations into project optioneering, design development and programme delivery.
• Ensure environmental workstreams are aligned with project programmes and do not delay application submission.
• Lead engagement with key environmental stakeholders, including statutory bodies, NGOs and interest groups.
• Support development of clear environmental narratives within applications, consultations and examinations.
• Provide strategic input to External Affairs to ensure messaging is aligned and evidence‑based.
• Key Accountabilities
• Collaborate with the Development Team to identify environmental constraints and risks early, providing practical solutions.
• Lead identification and design of environmental initiatives for each project, ensuring they are proportionate and policy‑compliant.
• Provide focused technical input and review across EIAs and supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with relevant policy.
• Support and challenge project teams in managing external environmental consultants.
• Set direction for environmental performance beyond consent, ensuring commitments are translated into practical, deliverable measures during construction.

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 linear infrastructure development and key project risks.
• Deep knowledge of the planning system and environmental policy for grid and renewable development, including Welsh Planning Policy (NBB, BNG).
• Experience drafting technical chapters and coordinating large EIA projects.
• Familiarity with Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), environmental permit application and related processes.
• Expertise in ecological, cultural and environmental initiatives and mitigation.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills.
• Resilient and adaptable to changing situations.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in an environmental science‑based subject, environmental management or equivalent.
• ISEP (or similar) membership desirable.
• Significant experience (8–15 years) within environmental consultancy or in‑house role on large‑scale infrastructure or construction projects.
• Proven track record of leading strategy and implementation of environmental initiatives within resource and budget constraints.
• Experience dealing with planning authorities and stakeholders, including landowners and voluntary organisations.
• Experience in producing and delivering large‑scale infrastructure planning applications, Environmental Statements and long‑term environmental/habitat/net gain plans.

Benefits

• Hybrid work structure available.
• Core hours with flexible take‑back time.
• Fridays as "no meeting" days.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Private Medical Insurance from day 1 for you and immediate family.
• Annual pay review and discretionary bonus.
• Employer pension contributions up to 7 %.
• Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Tech scheme – discounts on latest technology.
• Life assurance and income protection.
• Travel insurance.
• Enhanced policies and provisions to support colleagues.
• Regular team socials, activities, sporting events and charity fundraisers.
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