Principal / associate - environmental planning

Principal / Associate Environmental Planning Consultant

Locations: London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Leicester, Birmingham or Edinburgh

Join a leading multidisciplinary consultancy where your expertise can shape major infrastructure, energy, environmental and development projects across the UK and Ireland. As part of our growing Environment, Sustainability & Planning team, you'll work alongside industry-leading specialists, influence project outcomes at a strategic level, and help drive the future direction of environmental planning within a global organisation.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As a senior member of our Environmental Planning team, you will provide technical, commercial and leadership expertise across a diverse portfolio of projects. Working across sectors including transport, water, energy, renewables, defence, residential, commercial and minerals, you will lead environmental planning and consenting activities, support business growth, and contribute to the development of both clients and colleagues.

Your Impact in this Position

You will play a key role in delivering complex Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and consenting projects, influencing project strategy, strengthening client relationships and helping to grow a high-performing team. Reporting to the Head of Environmental Planning, you'll contribute to technical excellence, mentor developing professionals, and help shape the future success of the team.

Core Capabilities

Project Management & Direction

• Lead complex environmental planning projects from inception to delivery.
• Manage programmes, budgets, resources and multidisciplinary teams.
• Build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and project partners.

Environmental Impact Assessment & Environmental Outcomes

• Direct and coordinate EIA and environmental assessment activities across multiple sectors.
• Identify environmental risks, opportunities and mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical leadership and contribute to industry best practice and innovation.

Team Leadership & Development

• Support the growth, mentoring and development of colleagues.
• Provide technical guidance and commercial insight across the team.
• Help drive collaboration, performance and continuous improvement.

Business Development & Client Management

• Develop and strengthen client relationships and sector networks.
• Lead and support bids, frameworks and business development opportunities.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of environmental planning services.

Technical Reporting & Communication

• Deliver high-quality reports, assessments and technical reviews.
• Communicate complex environmental issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Maintain exceptional quality standards and regulatory compliance.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Economics or a related discipline. Significant experience leading EIA projects within a consultancy environment, supported by strong project management, stakeholder engagement and team leadership skills. Experience in socio-economic assessment would be advantageous but is not essential.

Working Environment

This role can be based in London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Leicester, Birmingham or Edinburgh. We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements, combining office collaboration with home working. You'll benefit from structured career development, mentoring, technical training and opportunities to work on nationally significant and innovative projects within a supportive multidisciplinary team.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role