Lead Planning Consultant

TN United Kingdom; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Principal Planning Consultant to lead their market-leading planning team in the UK. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in decarbonisation and renewable energy sectors. You will be at the forefront of the low carbon energy transition, collaborating with clients to achieve their objectives sustainably. With flexible working arrangements, a supportive culture, and excellent career development opportunities, this position is ideal for a motivated professional ready to make a significant impact in the industry.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

6% pension contribution

EV car salary sacrifice scheme

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

Employee assistance programs

Volunteering opportunities

Cycle2Work Scheme

Gym membership discounts

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering DCOs and multidisciplinary planning projects.
• Detail-oriented with experience in preparing planning reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning team through various projects and deliverables.
• Involved in preparing EIAs and consenting applications.

Skills

Project Management

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Planning Reports Preparation

Business Development

Team Leadership

Education

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 the 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 of our projects, such as our own concept and Equinor’s H2H Saltend Blue Hydrogen project, are at the cutting edge of the industry.

You will work within various planning regimes (including NSIP/DCO, TCPA, s36 (Scotland), and DNS (Wales)) to lead the Planning team through a range of projects and deliverables that help our 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 both 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 believe that change starts at home, which is why we have operated the ERM Foundation since 1995. 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, 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 career development opportunities.

About you

You should hold a relevant Town Planning degree and have experience in similar roles, with a proven track record of working on DCOs. You must be detail-oriented and interested in preparing planning reports, and be a Licentiate/RTPI (or equivalent) qualified Planner. 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.