Lead Planning Consultant

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Planning Consultant to join their innovative planning team. This role offers the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects in decarbonisation and renewable energy, while leading a team through various planning regimes. You will play a crucial role in preparing environmental impact assessments and consent applications, contributing to sustainable energy solutions. With a strong commitment to safety, diversity, and inclusion, this company provides a supportive environment for career advancement and flexible working arrangements, allowing you to thrive in your professional journey.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave

Pension contributions

Salary sacrifice schemes

Performance bonuses

Private medical insurance

Employee benefits

Qualifications

• Proven track record in DCO projects and multidisciplinary planning.
• Experience in consultancy and renewables is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning team through diverse projects in decarbonisation and renewable energy.
• Prepare EIAs and consent applications in collaboration with environmental specialists.

Skills

DCO project management

EIA preparation

Business development

Mentoring

Education

Town Planning degree

Licentiate/RTPI qualification

Job description

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ERM is seeking a Principal Planning Consultant

Join 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, battery storage), and mining sectors, supporting ERM’s role in leading the low carbon energy transition. Projects include our own concepts and collaborations such as Equinor’s H2H Saltend Blue Hydrogen project.

You will operate within various planning regimes (including NSIP/DCO, TCPA, s36 in Scotland, and DNS in Wales), leading the planning team through diverse projects and deliverables that help clients meet objectives sustainably and safely. Collaboration with our EIA and Project Management teams will involve preparing EIAs and consent applications, supported by our environmental specialists. You will also focus on business development and mentoring junior team members.

ERM is committed to building a sustainable future, exemplified by the ERM Foundation established in 1995. We encourage you to learn more about our initiatives.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including remote work options, generous leave, pension contributions, salary sacrifice schemes, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, and various employee benefits. Our culture emphasizes safety, diversity, and inclusion, with numerous opportunities for career advancement through our technical communities and career frameworks.

About you

You should hold a relevant Town Planning degree, with experience in similar roles and a proven track record in DCO projects. A Licentiate/RTPI (or equivalent) qualification is required. You should understand EIA and multidisciplinary planning projects, with Scottish planning and consenting experience being essential. Experience in consultancy and renewables is preferred but not mandatory.