Lead Planning Consultant

ERM; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy seeks a Principal Planning Consultant to spearhead projects in decarbonisation and renewable energy across various UK regions. This hybrid role involves preparing environmental assessments, business development, and mentoring, fostering a safe and sustainable future.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

6% pension contribution

Performance bonuses

Private medical insurance

Life assurance and income protection

Employee assistance programs

Volunteering opportunities

Cycle2Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering DCOs and EIA.
• Interest in preparing planning reports.
• Scottish planning and consenting experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning team through diverse projects.
• Prepare EIAs and consenting applications.
• Contribute to business development and mentor juniors.

Skills

Attention to detail

Project Management

Business Development

Education

Relevant Town Planning degree

Licentiate/RTPI qualification

Job description

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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 is helping clients lead the low carbon energy transition. Many of our projects are cutting-edge, including our own concept and Equinor’s H2H Saltend Blue Hydrogen project.

You will work within various planning regimes (including NSIP/DCO, TCPA, s36 (Scotland), and DNS (Wales)) to lead the Planning team through diverse projects and deliverables that help our clients meet their objectives in a safe, environmentally, and socially sustainable manner. Our Planning team collaborates with the established EIA and Project Management teams, and you will be involved in preparing EIAs and consenting applications supported by our skilled 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, and operate the ERM Foundation since 1995. Take a look at our initiatives — we think you’ll be impressed.

We offer flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle — whether it’s managing school runs, working from home, or traveling. Benefits include 25 days 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, a Calm app subscription, Cycle2Work Scheme, and discounts on gym memberships and retail gift cards. We foster a Safety First, diverse, and inclusive culture where differences are valued and celebrated. With a robust career framework and over 20 technical communities of global experts, ERM offers excellent opportunities for career advancement.

About you

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