Consultant - Industrial Permitting (Entry Level)

ERM; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ERM is seeking an Industrial Permitting Consultant to join our expanding permitting team. Location is flexible for the right candidate, with focus on UK environmental regimes and regulatory strategies for data centre clients.

You will work with regulators to deliver projects, develop client proposals, and build networks across Northern Europe, contributing to cross-border opportunities. Degree in a relevant discipline and consulting or regulatory experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant science or environmental discipline.
• Experience in consulting, regulatory sector or industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of UK Environmental Permitting/Pollution Prevention Control regimes is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support technical delivery of industrial environmental permitting projects.
• Have working knowledge of environmental impact assessment disciplines as relevant to permitting.
• Develop client proposals and build client relationships as well as developing internal and external networks.
• Ensure client satisfaction through project communication and engagement.
• Demonstrate knowledge of working with environmental regulators to seek favourable client outcomes.
• Support and propose client positions underpinned by precedent or impact assessment.

Skills

Environmental permitting

Regulatory engagement

Impact assessment

Client relations

Project delivery

Stakeholder management

ETS knowledge

Education

Degree in a relevant science/environmental discipline

Job description

ERM is looking for an Industrial Permitting Consultant to join our rapidly growing industrial permitting team. Location is flexible for the right candidate.

The role is an exciting opportunity to help lead a range of critical projects for our global Clients, predominantly helping solve regulatory challenges, frequently novel in nature and requiring experience and pragmatism in working with environmental regulators. The role is primarily UK focussed with potential to extend to develop similar projects across Europe.

The role is required to support a range of critical projects for our data centre and wider key clients. The role is expected to be Northern Europe focussed, but there may be some work from EMEA programmes.

The role requires working knowledge of the Environmental Permitting/Pollution Prevention Control regimes across the UK. Knowledge of Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) would be a bonus as there are strong links and available backlog associated with ETS. Applicants with detailed knowledge of equivalent European regimes to those in the UK will also be considered.

The consultant would be expected to demonstrate knowledge of working with environmental regulators to seek client favourable outcomes. The ability to propose and support the client’s position underpinned by prior precedent or impact assessment is essential.

Role expectations

• Support technical delivery of a variety of industrial environmental permitting projects
• Have a working knowledge of environmental impact assessment disciplines, as relevant to environmental permitting
• Develop client proposals and to build client relationship as well as developing their own internal and external network
• Ensure client satisfaction through project communication and engagement
• The ideal candidate will be educated to degree level in a relevant science or environmental discipline
• Experience in either a consulting environment, the regulatory sector or from industry

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2026 Sustainability Report.