Environmental Due Diligence Project Lead

RED Engineering Design; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking an Environmental Due Diligence Project Lead to oversee due diligence activities for data centre developments across EMEA. The role involves managing multidisciplinary teams, conducting environmental assessments, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Environmental Science along with professional accreditation, and a strong background in project management and stakeholder engagement. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits that include hybrid working and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

23 days annual leave rising to 28

Holiday purchase and buy back scheme

Contributory company pension scheme

Healthcare scheme

Training sponsorship

Charity volunteering leave

Wellness days/initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing EIAs and environmental planning for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of EIA regulations and permitting processes across EMEA.
• Ability to interpret technical reports into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead due diligence for potential data centre sites across EMEA.
• Manage feasibility studies and provide strategic input on environmental considerations.
• Coordinate with local authorities to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.

Skills

Project management

Environmental Impact Assessment

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental risk assessment

Sustainability principles

Education

Degree in Environmental Science or related discipline

Professional accreditation (IEMA, RTPI)

Job description

Environmental Due Diligence Project Lead - London

RED are an expanding international M&E consultancy, with a proven track record in low energy design, focused on providing excellent design solutions to clients.

Through our market leading technical expertise, we enable the world’s digital infrastructure and develop the built environment whilst also helping clients realise ambitious plans for zero carbon‑built environments. We cover the entire life cycle of any building project, with our broad capability offering saving our clients time, money, and effort. Our approach is centred around listening to our clients and interacting energetically with our fellow project stakeholders. We add value with our people, client service ethos, global delivery strategy, technical ability, and attitude.

We now seek a Environmental Due Diligence Project Lead to be based in our London office with the ability to travel to sites occasionally.

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly capable and experienced Project Manager with a strong background in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Planning to lead due diligence activities for potential data centre developments across EMEA. This role involves client management, strategic definition, design coordination, and project management during early‑stage development and feasibility phases of site selection and technical due diligence for data centres.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the technical and strategic direction of new data centre sites in some of the world’s leading markets. Come and help find, select, and develop the future of the internet.

• Due Diligence & Feasibility
• Lead due diligence for potential data centre sites across EMEA.
• Assess environmental constraints, risks, and compliance requirements during site selection.
• Manage feasibility studies and provide strategic input on environmental considerations.
• Environmental Planning & EIA
• Prepare, review, and manage Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and related documentation.
• Coordinate with local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
• Oversee environmental permitting processes and planning applications.
• Identify and mitigate environmental risks (e.g., biodiversity, water resources, air quality, noise).
• Project Management
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets for early‑stage development.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams including environmental consultants, engineers, and planners.
• Ensure projects meet sustainability and ESG objectives.
• Client & Stakeholder Management
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients during due diligence and planning phases.
• Communicate complex environmental and technical issues clearly to stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice to clients on environmental and planning risks.

Role Requirements

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Geography, or related discipline.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., IEMA, RTPI, or equivalent).
• Proven experience managing EIAs and environmental planning for large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Experience in Early Stage Riba 0 Riba 1 Due Diligence.
• Strong knowledge of EIA regulations, environmental planning frameworks, and permitting processes across EMEA.
• Expertise in environmental risk assessment, sustainability principles, and ESG compliance.
• Excellent project management skills (budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation).
• Ability to interpret technical reports and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Familiarity with data centre development processes and infrastructure planning is a plus.

Desirable

• Knowledge of data centre development or similar industrial / commercial projects.
• Postgraduate qualification in environmental management or sustainability.
• Knowledge of data centre development or similar industrial / commercial projects.
• Postgraduate qualification in environmental management or sustainability.

Additional Tasks for EIA & Environmental Planning

• Conduct baseline environmental surveys and scoping studies.
• Prepare environmental chapters for planning applications.
• Liaise with ecological, hydrological, and geotechnical specialists.

Benefits

RED offers a variety of benefits, including but not limited to :

• 23 days annual leave rising to 28 days annual leave over 5 years’ service
• Holiday purchase and buy back scheme
• Hybrid Working
• Contributory company pension scheme
• Healthcare Scheme (Company funded cover is dependant on level)
• Non-contractual bonus awards
• Training sponsorship
• Charity volunteering leave
• Wellness days / initiatives.
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Our people work in friendly teams with a collaborative approach and mentoring support from talented leaders.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package and are an equal opportunities employer.
• This role will ideally suit those with the right to live & work in the UK without restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship at the present time.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package and are an equal opportunities employer.