Lead Planning Consultant

ERM; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in environmental consulting is seeking a Principal Planning Consultant to lead its planning team and work on innovative projects in decarbonisation, renewable energy, and mining. This role offers flexible working arrangements, excellent career growth opportunities, and a commitment to sustainability.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

6% pension contribution

EV car salary sacrifice scheme

Performance bonuses

Private medical insurance

Volunteering opportunities

Cycle2Work Scheme

Discounts on gym memberships and retail gift cards

Qualifications

• Experience in DCOs and similar roles required.
• Scottish planning and consenting experience is essential.
• Consultancy and renewables experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning team through various planning projects.
• Prepare EIAs and consenting applications.
• Conduct business development with existing and new clients.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Understanding of EIA

Education

Relevant Town Planning degree

Licentiate/RTPI qualification

Job description

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ERM are 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 collaborating with clients to lead the low carbon energy transition. Many of our projects, such as our own concept and Equinor’s H2H Saltend Blue Hydrogen project, are at the forefront of innovation.

You will operate within various planning regimes (including NSIP/DCO, TCPA, s36 (Scotland), and DNS (Wales)) to lead the Planning team through a range of planning projects and deliverables that help our clients meet their objectives efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Our Planning team collaborates closely with our experienced EIA and Project Management teams, and you will be involved in preparing EIAs and consenting applications supported by our highly 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 we believe change starts internally. That’s why we have operated 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 promotion opportunities, annual salary reviews, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee assistance programs, volunteering opportunities, travel season ticket loans, 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, there are excellent opportunities to grow your career at ERM.

About you

You will hold a relevant Town Planning degree and have experience in similar roles, particularly with DCOs. You should be detail-oriented and interested in preparing planning reports. A Licentiate/RTPI (or equivalent) qualification is required. You should have a good understanding of EIA and multidisciplinary planning projects. Scottish planning and consenting experience is essential. While consultancy and renewables experience is preferred, it is not mandatory.