Environmental Lead
5 days ago
Ellesmere Port
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 Desired Skills and 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