About the role

  • DCO Development Director responsible for leading planning consent processes for expanding Heathrow projects. Critical role involving stakeholder management and compliance with UK planning laws.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure DCO application is comprehensive, legally robust, and aligned with Heathrow’s commitments.
  • Oversee all critical activity required to secure consent for the programme under the Planning Act 2008.
  • Develop and lead the DCO strategy, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and stakeholder expectations.
  • Implement strategies to engage proactively with key statutory and non-statutory stakeholders.
  • Lead the statutory and non-statutory consultation strategy and delivery.
  • Manage legal advisors to ensure compliance with the Planning Act 2008 and associated regulations.
  • Ensure effective planning approvals processes for all HAL developments to support the delivery of consents.

Requirements

  • Extensive experience leading DCO processes for major infrastructure projects under the Planning Act 2008.
  • Strong, applied understanding of UK planning law, environmental regulation, and infrastructure consenting.
  • Excellent track record in influencing and managing complex stakeholder environments.
  • Experience of leading a team of experts at varying levels of seniority, developing each individual to deliver their best.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communicator and advocate for the programme with strong strategic planning skills.
  • Ability to rapidly synthesise the complexities of the planning process, scheme development, and Heathrow’s business.
  • Ability to identify key strategic risks and implement effective strategies to mitigate these risks cross-functionally.
  • Authoritative and convincing leadership style which conveys credibility and inspires confidence.
  • Extensive experience in infrastructure sectors, with a strong background in policy, legal, or strategic roles.
  • **Ideally you will also have:**
  • Proven expertise in aviation, transport, and nationally significant infrastructure projects
  • Familiarity with Heathrow’s regulatory and planning context
  • Town & country planning and Environmental Impact Assessment experience preferred.

Benefits

  • Competitive salaries
  • Performance-based annual bonuses
  • Share in Success Bonus plans
  • Generous annual leave allowances
  • Market-leading pensions
  • Family friendly policies
  • Access to private health insurance
  • A wide range of wellbeing tools
  • Varied learning and development opportunities

Job title

DCO Development Director

Job type

Experience level

Lead

Salary

Not specified

Degree requirement

Bachelor's Degree

Location requirements

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