Lead Planning Consultant

TN United Kingdom; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Planning Consultant to lead innovative projects in the renewable energy sector. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies in decarbonisation and mining while collaborating with a dedicated team of experts. You will be responsible for guiding planning efforts across various projects, ensuring compliance with planning regulations, and contributing to business development initiatives. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to sustainability, this position provides an excellent opportunity for career growth and impact in the low carbon energy transition.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

6% pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

Volunteering opportunities

Cycle2Work Scheme

Discounts on gym memberships

Travel season ticket loans

Premium Calm app accounts

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Development Consent Orders (DCOs).
• Detail-oriented with experience in preparing planning reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead Planning team through various planning regimes and projects.
• Collaborate with EIA and Project Management teams for project deliverables.

Skills

Town Planning

EIA Preparation

Business Development

Project Management

Education

Town Planning Degree

Licentiate/RTPI Qualification

Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

ERM is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and enthusiastic Principal Planning Consultant to join and lead our market-leading planning team on a hybrid basis from any of ERM’s 16 UK offices.

You will work on innovative projects in decarbonisation (hydrogen, CCUS), renewable energy (solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydrogen, and battery storage), and mining sectors, where ERM collaborates with clients to lead the low carbon energy transition. Many projects, including our own concept and Equinor’s H2H Saltend Blue Hydrogen project, are at the cutting edge of technology.

You will work within various planning regimes (including NSIP/DCO, TCPA, s36 in Scotland, and DNS in Wales) to lead the Planning team through a range of projects and deliverables that help clients meet their objectives safely, sustainably, and responsibly. Our Planning team collaborates closely with our established EIA and Project Management teams, and you will be involved in preparing EIAs and consenting applications supported by our environmental specialists. You will also lead business development efforts with existing and new clients and contribute to the development of junior team members.

We are committed to building a sustainable future with leading organizations. We also operate the ERM Foundation, which has been active since 1995. Take a look at our initiatives—you'll be impressed.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including options for remote work, work from home, and cross-border remote working. Benefits include 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays, a 6% pension contribution, EV car salary sacrifice scheme, twice-yearly promotions, annual salary reviews, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee assistance programs, volunteering opportunities, travel season ticket loans, premium Calm app accounts, Cycle2Work Scheme, and discounts on gym memberships and retail gift cards. We promote a Safety First, diverse, and inclusive culture that values differences. With a robust career framework and over 20 technical communities of global experts, ERM offers excellent career development opportunities.

About you

You will have a relevant Town Planning degree and experience in similar roles, with a proven track record working on Development Consent Orders (DCOs). You should be detail-oriented and interested in preparing planning reports. A Licentiate/RTPI (or equivalent) qualification is required. An understanding of EIA and multidisciplinary planning projects is essential. Scottish planning and consenting experience is mandatory. Consultancy and renewables experience are preferred but not essential.