Lead Planning Consultant

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

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a Principal Planning Consultant to lead innovative projects in decarbonisation and renewable energy. This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse planning regimes while collaborating with environmental specialists and managing business development efforts. With a commitment to sustainability and flexible working arrangements, this position promises a supportive environment for career advancement and personal growth. Join a team that values diversity and fosters a culture of safety and inclusion, contributing to a sustainable future with leading organizations.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave

6% pension contribution

EV car salary sacrifice scheme

Performance bonuses

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

Employee assistance programs

Volunteering opportunities

Cycle2Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Development Consent Orders (DCOs).
• Detail-oriented with experience in preparing planning reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning team through diverse projects.
• Prepare EIAs and consenting applications with environmental specialists.

Skills

Town Planning

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Business Development

Project Management

DCOs (Development Consent Orders)

Renewable Energy Knowledge

Education

Town Planning Degree

Licentiate/RTPI Qualification

Job description

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

You will operate within various planning regimes (including NSIP/DCO, TCPA, s36 (Scotland), and DNS (Wales)), leading 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 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 the world’s 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 promotion opportunities, annual salary reviews, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee assistance programs, volunteering opportunities, travel season ticket loans, premium Calm app subscriptions, Cycle2Work Scheme, and discounts on gym memberships and retail gift cards. We foster a Safety First, diverse, and inclusive culture where differences are embraced, valued, and celebrated. With a robust career framework and over 20 technical communities of global experts, there are excellent opportunities for career advancement at ERM.

About you

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