About the role

We are seeking an Applications and Permissions Lead to support the delivery of the Skye Reinforcement Project, a major infrastructure programme involving 132kV overhead line and underground cable works.

This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end process for statutory applications, licences, and permissions, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met in line with programme timelines. You will work closely with regulators, project teams, and stakeholders to secure approvals and maintain compliance with environmental and planning legislation.

What you'll be doing

Lead the preparation and submission of applications, licences, and supporting documentation to SEPA, NatureScot, and Highland Council

Coordinate technical inputs including environmental assessments, reports, and management plans

Ensure all submissions are accurate, complete, and compliant with relevant legislation, guidance, and requirements

Track application progress and manage responses to regulator queries and requests for information

Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and maintain strong working relationships

Lead meetings, consultations, and discussions to support timely approvals

Provide clear advice and updates to internal stakeholders on regulatory requirements and progress

Work closely with engineering, environmental, planning, legal, and operations teams, as well as external consultants

Develop and maintain submission programmes and trackers aligned with project timelines

Identify risks to permissions and implement mitigation strategies

Manage dependencies between consents and ensure alignment across the project

Ensure all activities comply with environmental, planning, and licensing regulations

Maintain accurate, auditable records of submissions, approvals, and correspondence

Support audits and ensure documentation is readily accessible

Monitor changes in legislation and regulatory guidance, advising the project accordingly

Lead and coordinate resources involved in the applications and permissions process

Develop and improve processes, templates, and best practices

Support capability development and continuous improvement across the team

Who we're looking for

Essential:

Experience managing regulatory applications and permissions, ideally within Scotland

Strong understanding of environmental and planning regulations

Experience working with SEPA, NatureScot, and/or local authorities

Ability to coordinate complex submissions involving multiple stakeholders

Strong written communication skills, particularly for formal documentation

Excellent organisational and project management skills

Desirable:

Background in environmental science, planning, engineering, or similar

Experience with EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) or HRA (Habitats Regulations Appraisal)

Experience within infrastructure, energy, or major projects

Familiarity with GIS, ACC, or document management systems

Understanding of commercial aspects such as budgets and invoicing

Qualifications:

Degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Geography, Engineering, or similar (or equivalent experience)

Professional membership (e.g., RTPI, IEMA, CIWEM) desirable

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…

About us

Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on-going maintenance, our in-house experts, flexible resources and industry-leading innovations support customers in the development of some of the UK’s most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: candidaterecruitmentqueries@balfourbeatty.com

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