Environmental Lead

Environmental Lead - Hydrogen
Location: North West, UK

Are you passionate about driving environmental excellence in large-scale energy transition projects? We are seeking an Environmental Lead to play a pivotal role in the development of the UK's first large low-carbon hydrogen production plants - a cornerstone of the nation's industrial decarbonisation strategy.

This is a COMAH critical role with significant influence on environmental compliance and performance during the design, construction and operation of a new hydrogen facility.

The Role

As Environmental Lead, you will:

• Lead the development of environmental permitting, compliance and management systems for hydrogen production plants through all phases - design, construction and operations.

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, COMAH requirements and industry best practice.

• Oversee delivery of environmental aspects of planning consents, permits and pre-operating conditions.

• Develop and implement ISO 14001 environmental management systems, as well as contribute to broader sustainability and climate resilience frameworks.

• Monitor environmental performance during construction and set standards for best practice.

• Act as subject matter expert, providing guidance and training across teams.

• Build strong working relationships with regulators, industry associations, and third-party specialists.

About You

We are looking for someone with:

• A degree in environmental science, environmental management or related discipline (postgraduate qualifications or chartered status desirable).

• Experience in delivering planning consents and/or permits, with a solid understanding of industrial environmental issues and regulation.

• Practical experience in COMAH or high-hazard manufacturing environments (advantageous).

• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders.

• A proactive, detail-driven approach with the confidence to challenge and improve environmental performance.

What's on Offer

• The chance to shape the UK's net-zero journey by enabling low-carbon hydrogen at scale.

• A role with direct influence on environmental and sustainability outcomes in a nationally significant project.

• Competitive package and opportunities for professional growth.

Key Skills & Experience

• Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001, ISO 14090/14091)

• Environmental Permitting & Consents (EPR, Planning Conditions)

• COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) Compliance

• Safety & Environmental Risk Assessment (ENVID, HAZOP, ERA)

• Industrial Environmental Compliance (oil, gas, energy, chemical, hydrogen or refinery sector experience desirable)

• Integrated Management Systems (HSE/HSSEQ frameworks)

• Climate Change Resilience & Sustainability (gap analysis, ISO 26000 CSR)

• Stakeholder Engagement (Environment Agency, Local Authorities, Industry Associations)

• Incident & KPI Monitoring / Reporting

• Team Leadership & Coaching

• Regulatory Liaison & Best Practice Implementation

• Strong Communication & Influencing Skills