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