Lead Planning Consultant

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

Job summary

ERM seeks a Principal Planning Consultant to join its leading planning team. The role involves managing innovative projects in decarbonisation, renewable energy, and mining, while ensuring compliance with various planning regimes. The successful candidate will have a Town Planning degree and experience in DCO projects, alongside opportunities for career growth and development.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave plus public holidays

6% pension contribution

EV car salary sacrifice scheme

Performance bonuses

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Employee assistance programs

Volunteering opportunities

Cycle2Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record in DCO projects.
• Experience in multidisciplinary planning projects.
• Scottish planning and consenting experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning team through diverse projects.
• Prepare EIAs and consenting applications.
• Business development with existing and new clients.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Understanding of EIA

Client relationship management

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 collaborates with clients to lead the low-carbon energy transition. Many projects, such as our own concept and Equinor’s H2H Saltend Blue Hydrogen project, are at the cutting edge of technology.

You will operate 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 clients meet their objectives safely, environmentally, and socially sustainably. Our Planning team works closely with our established EIA and Project Management teams, so you will also be involved in preparing EIAs and consenting applications supported by our skilled environmental specialists. You will lead business development efforts with existing and new clients and actively contribute to the development of junior team members.

We are committed to building a sustainable future with leading organizations, and we believe change starts at home. Since 1995, we have operated the ERM Foundation. Take a look at our initiatives—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 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 gyms and retailers. We foster a Safety First, diverse, and inclusive culture that values differences. With a robust career framework and over 20 technical communities of global experts, there are ample opportunities to grow your career at ERM.

About you

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