DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner

Stantec; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a DCO Planner at Senior, Principal or Associate level to join our UK Infrastructure team. The role is based from any UK office and involves shaping consented major infrastructure programs across water, energy and transport sectors.

You will lead planning, EIA strategy and consent processes (DCO, TCPA, DNS) while guiding schemes through development and assessment, working with clients and multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust programmes.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering planning and consenting for major infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of DCO and related regimes.
• Professional accreditation or working towards MRTPI/APM/CMI/CMEnv/CEng.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate planning and consenting workstreams for major infra projects.
• Advise on EIA strategy and manage consent regimes (DCO, TCPA, DNS).
• Progress schemes through development and assessments.
• Collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams to shape deliverable programmes.
• Identify risks early and keep momentum for quality outcomes.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to a collaborative culture.

Skills

Planning experience

DCO knowledge

Client communication

Professional accreditation

Academic qualification

Education

Planning or Environment degree

MRTPI accreditation

APM/CMI/CEnv/CEng

Job description

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a DCO Planner Senior, Principal or Associate to join our Infrastructure team. This opportunity can be based from any of our UK offices.

About The Role

Ready to work on projects that genuinely shape the UK’s future? Join Stantec’s Major Infrastructure/DCO team and help consent, assess and deliver some of the country’s most ambitious major infrastructure projects. With a growing pipeline across water, energy and transport, we’re looking to fill a variety of roles at Senior, Principal, Associate and Senior Associate level who want to take the next step and work with a fantastic collaborative team.

Your Impact

• Leading and coordinating planning and consenting workstreams for major infrastructure projects, including NSIPs under the Planning Act 2008.
• Providing planning and EIA strategy advice and managing processes across key consenting regimes (including DCO, TCPA and DNS).
• Progressing projects through scheme development, advising on methodologies, undertaking assessments.
• Working closely with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to shape clear, deliverable programmes and applications.
• Bringing structure to complex projects spotting risks early, maintaining momentum, and helping teams deliver quality outcomes.
• Supporting and mentoring colleagues, contributing to a collaborative team culture and helping us grow.

About You

• Experience delivering planning and consenting for major infrastructure (or ready to step up into a lead role).
• Strong technical understanding of relevant consenting regimes especially Development Consent Orders (DCO).
• A professional/academic qualification in Planning or Environment (or another relevant background), with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Credibility with clients and stakeholders, with confident communication and a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
• Professional accreditation (or working towards) such as MRTPI and/or APM, CMI, CEnv or CEng.

Why Join Us

• We put people first: We’re proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups ).
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK & Ireland - we want you to be part of it!
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
• Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

#DCO

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients' vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today's challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.