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:
1. Lead the development of environmental permitting, compliance and management systems for hydrogen production plants through all phases - design, construction and operations.
2. Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, COMAH requirements and industry best practice.
3. Oversee delivery of environmental aspects of planning consents, permits and pre-operating conditions.
4. Develop and implement ISO 14001 environmental management systems, as well as contribute to broader sustainability and climate resilience frameworks.
5. Monitor environmental performance during construction and set standards for best practice.
6. Act as subject matter expert, providing guidance and training across teams.
7. Build strong working relationships with regulators, industry associations, and third-party specialists.
About You
We are looking for someone with:
8. A degree in environmental science, environmental management or related discipline (postgraduate qualifications or chartered status desirable).
9. Experience in delivering planning consents and/or permits, with a solid understanding of industrial environmental issues and regulation.
10. Practical experience in COMAH or high-hazard manufacturing environments (advantageous).
11. Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders.
12. A proactive, detail-driven approach with the confidence to challenge and improve environmental performance.
What's on Offer
13. The chance to shape the UK's net-zero journey by enabling low-carbon hydrogen at scale.
14. A role with direct influence on environmental and sustainability outcomes in a nationally significant project.
15. Competitive package and opportunities for professional growth.
Key Skills & Experience
16. Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001, ISO 14090/14091)
17. Environmental Permitting & Consents (EPR, Planning Conditions)
18. COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) Compliance
19. Safety & Environmental Risk Assessment (ENVID, HAZOP, ERA)
20. Industrial Environmental Compliance (oil, gas, energy, chemical, hydrogen or refinery sector experience desirable)
21. Integrated Management Systems (HSE/HSSEQ frameworks)
22. Climate Change Resilience & Sustainability (gap analysis, ISO 26000 CSR)
23. Stakeholder Engagement (Environment Agency, Local Authorities, Industry Associations)
24. Incident & KPI Monitoring / Reporting
25. Team Leadership & Coaching
26. Regulatory Liaison & Best Practice Implementation
27. Strong Communication & Influencing Skills