Lead Spatial Planning & Permitting

Lead Spatial Planning & Permitting

A mission that matters 

To achieve its climates goals, the Netherlands is committed to achieving carbon-free electricity. Nuclear Energy Organisation Netherlands (NEO NL) contributes to this by building and operating two new nuclear power plants, on behalf of the government.  It is one of the most ambitious energy projects the Netherlands has ever seen. At NEO NL, your work will directly contribute to this national ambition and make an impact that lasts for decades. To make this assignment a success, we need extraordinary people. People like you.

For the start-up phase of NEO NL, we are looking for a Lead Spatial Planning & Permitting

Your assignment

Your objective is to strategically shape and lead NEO NL's preparation for — and eventual execution of — the project procedure, resulting in a legally robust projectbesluit and all permits required to commence construction. 

The configuration of this role is open to discussion. Our immediate priority is Phase 1: the design of the permitting strategy. We are open to candidates who want to contribute to that phase specifically — on a fixed-term or freelance basis, without a permanent commitment to Phase 2 execution. A permanent appointment covering both phases is equally welcome. What matters most is that the right expertise is in place for Phase 1. 

Phase 1 — Strategy formation (current priority) à primary focus next 6 to 18 months 

In this phase, your primary contribution is conceptual and strategic. Your main responsibilities are: 

Designing the permitting strategy. Developing an integrated, legally defensible multi-year permitting and spatial planning strategy covering all required procedures, permits, and environmental assessments — in close coordination with our Technical Support Organisation (NEXUS NL) and legal advisors. 

Advising NEO NL management. Translating regulatory complexity, procedural options, and political-administrative dynamics into clear strategic advice that enables sound, well-timed decisions at programme level. 

Positioning NEO NL toward key authorities. Engaging with the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, ANVS, and other competent authorities at the right level, with the right substance, and at the right moment — building credibility as a serious and well-prepared project initiator. 

Support building the team’s foundation. Establishing the team structure, work packages, and ways of working that will sustain the spatial planning & permitting (SP&P) through the full duration of the programme. 

Phase 2 — Execution (planuitwerkingsfase) 

Once the strategy is established and the programme advances with a voorkeursbesluit deciding upon the location, you shift into leading its execution: overseeing the Project-MER and related permitting studies, steering our Technical Support Organisation (advisors) on scope, quality and planning discipline, and maintaining strategic alignment across internal workstreams and external counterparts throughout the project procedure. 

Key responsibilities

- Lead the development and continuous refinement of the spatial planning and permitting strategy, ensuring legal robustness, procedural feasibility, and alignment with NEO NL's programme goals and political-administrative context. 

- Provide strategic advice to NEO NL management on permitting preconditions, regulatory risks, procedural sequencing, and stakeholder dynamics - enabling well-founded, timely decisions throughout the programme. 

- Build, lead, and develop the SP&P-team across spatial planning, environmental assessment, permitting, and related disciplines. Ensure the team has the capacity, clarity, and rhythm to deliver at the right stage of our programme. 

- Steer NEXUS NL (Technical Support Organisation) on quality, planning, and scope - setting clear expectations, conducting substantive reviews, and escalating where delivery does not meet programme requirements. 

- Engage with the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, ANVS, Raad van State, municipalities, and other competent authorities. Represent NEO NL with authority and strategic intent. 

- Ensure cross-disciplinary coherence by connecting the SP&P workstream with nuclear licensing, engineering, stakeholder management, and site development - translating regulatory and procedural insights into actionable guidance for decision-makers. 

- Contribute to NEO NL's overall programme governance by ensuring SP&P outputs land at the right quality, at the right time, in the right format for programme gates and management decisions. 

Your background and experience

- A degree in spatial planning, environmental planning, technical public administration, environmental law, or a related discipline. 

- 10+ years of (senior) experience in which you have demonstrated strategic advisory capacity in politically and administratively complex environments, not primarily operational or technical execution. 

- Proven experience designing or leading a multi-year permitting or spatial planning trajectory for large infrastructure or energy new build projects. 

- Deep familiarity with the Dutch permitting and spatial planning system: the Omgevingswet, projectprocedure, projectbesluit, plan-MER and project-MER, and the role of competent authorities in nationally significant projects. 

- Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at the interface between initiatiefnemer, government, and regulatory authorities - including direct engagement at ministerial and senior regulatory level. 

- Strong analytical and conceptual thinking: capable of structuring ambiguity, assessing legal and procedural risk, and translating complex regulatory landscapes into clear strategic choices for management. 

We also value if you have:

• Experience in this role within a nuclear project is considered a strong advantage.

• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams on projects with significant societal or environmental impact.

• Experience working in a scale-up and/ or dynamic environment.

Competencies

At NEO NL, everyone needs four core competencies to be successful: Learning Agility, Collaboration, Responsibility, and Communication. For this role, we additionally look for:

• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills, enabling you to quickly grasp and navigate complex technical and regulatory issues.

• A strong set of core competencies, including:

• Leadership
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Creative and pragmatic problem solving
• Strategic and structured thinking
• Program and project management
• Communication and negotiation skills

What we offer

• A strong and committed team – Become part of a diverse and ambitious team of 100 professionals who share a common goal and mission.
• A culture of trust and ownership – We believe in responsibility, collaboration, open communication, and a safe working environment. 
• Dynamic environment – Experience the energy of building a new organisation step by step, and two nuclear power plants that will help the Netherlands for many decades from now.

About the organisation 

NEO NL is a state-owned company. Our mission is clear: deliver long-lasting nuclear energy solutions that support the Dutch ambition of climate neutrality. With unmatched standards of quality and safety, and driven by deep expertise and responsibility, we are creating a resilient energy system while advancing nuclear knowledge for generations to come.

At NEO NL, you won’t just have a job, you will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to ensure the Netherlands becomes less dependent of fossils fuel, and to have clean and reliable energy for generations to come. You will be part of an ambitious, supportive, and international team, working at the forefront of policy, technology, and society. 

This is your chance to make history. Join us and be part of something that lasts.

Want to know more?
Please contact our Corporate Recruiter, Dominique Pichard, at d.pichard@minezk.nl

For more information, visit: www.neonl.com

Unsolicited approaches or acquisition by recruitment agencies in response to this job posting will not be accepted.