Navigating Scotland’s planning and marine licensing processes to deliver offshore wind projects.
OVERVIEW
Offshore Wind Consenting Managers are responsible for securing the permissions needed to develop offshore wind farms. They lead complex planning, marine licensing, and environmental consent processes, working closely with regulators, stakeholders, and technical teams. This role suits people who enjoy strategic thinking, managing complexity, and balancing environmental protection with the delivery of nationally significant renewable energy projects.
More details
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- Lead consenting strategies for offshore wind projects in Scottish waters.
- Manage Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) processes.
- Prepare and submit applications under the Marine (Scotland) Act and Electricity Act.
- Coordinate technical inputs (ecology, ornithology, marine mammals, navigation, seascape).
- Act as the main point of contact with regulators such as Marine Scotland, NatureScot, and local authorities.
- Manage consultation with statutory consultees, stakeholders, and communities.
- Oversee consent conditions and post-consent compliance.
- Support project teams during construction and operation phases.
- Location: Onshore, office-based in Scotland (often Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or hybrid).
- Work Pattern: Full-time, Monday–Friday.
- Travel: Occasional travel to stakeholder meetings, public consultations, and site visits.
- Team Structure: Working closely with environmental specialists, engineers, legal teams, and project managers.
Essential Skills
- Strong understanding of planning and marine consenting processes.
- Project management and coordination.
- Stakeholder and regulator engagement.
- Analytical and report-writing skills.
- Ability to manage risk and complex information.
Useful Skills
- Knowledge of offshore wind technology and project lifecycles.
- Experience managing EIAs or HRAs.
- Negotiation and facilitation.
- Leadership and team management.
- Understanding of cumulative and strategic environmental assessment.
· University Degrees:
- Environmental Science
- Planning or Town & Country Planning
- Geography
- Marine Biology or Ecology
- Sustainability or Renewable Energy
· Professional Backgrounds:
- Environmental or planning consultancy
- Public sector planning or marine licensing
- Infrastructure or energy project development
· Career Progression Routes:
- Environmental Adviser → Consents Officer → Consenting Manager
- Planning Officer → Infrastructure Planner → Consenting Manager
Typically Required
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrable experience managing planning or consenting processes
- Strong understanding of Scottish marine and planning legislation
Desirable
- Project management qualifications (PRINCE2, MSP)
- Knowledge of EIA Regulations, Habitats Regulations, and Marine Licensing
