Planning / EIA Director - Infrastructure

ZipRecruiter; North East; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy is seeking a Senior Planning Director or EIA Director to drive growth in the North of England and North Wales. This role involves managing significant infrastructure projects, enhancing client relationships, and leading a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate should have strong experience in infrastructure planning or environmental impact assessments, alongside a commercial mindset. A competitive salary and excellent benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Market-leading bonus scheme

Private healthcare

30 days annual leave + public holidays

Paid professional subscriptions

Opportunities to attend major industry events

Qualifications

• Proven background in infrastructure planning and/or EIA delivery.
• Experience in leading and mentoring teams.
• Confidence in managing high-profile projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a regional practice delivering major infrastructure projects.
• Build and nurture client relationships for business development.
• Collaborate with technical specialists across multiple disciplines.

Skills

Infrastructure planning

Environmental impact assessments

Business development

Team leadership

Strong commercial awareness

Education

RTPI, IEMA or equivalent membership

Job description

Overview

We’re working with a leading consultancy to appoint a senior leader, either a Planning Director or an EIA Director to drive growth in the North of England and North Wales. This is a career defining opportunity to lead nationally significant infrastructure and energy projects while shaping and expanding a northern team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and grow a regional practice delivering major projects across energy, renewables, hydrogen, storage, carbon capture, water, waste, transport, and ports.
• Take responsibility for project direction whether through planning consents (DCO, NSIP, TWAO) or environmental impact assessments.
• Build and nurture client relationships, identifying opportunities and driving business development across the region.
• Play a key role in succession planning for the wider infrastructure team.
• Collaborate with technical specialists across multiple disciplines to deliver joined-up solutions.

We’d like to hear from senior professionals with

• A proven background in infrastructure planning and/or EIA delivery, ideally with major consents or complex environmental projects.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and growing teams.
• RTPI, IEMA or equivalent professional membership.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development skills.
• Confidence in managing high-profile projects and clients at director level.
• Willingness to travel nationally as part of a connected, multi-disciplinary team.

Why Join?

• Lead and grow a northern presence within a well established team.
• Deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, nationally significant infrastructure schemes.
• Contribute directly to net zero and the future of energy and infrastructure.
• Benefit from strong leadership support and a clear career path.

Package

• Salary is competitive dependent on experience and skillset
• Market-leading bonus scheme
• Private healthcare (including immediate family)
• 30 days annual leave + public holidays
• Paid professional subscriptions
• Opportunities to attend major industry events (e.g., UKREiiF)

Ambitious Associate Directors (Planning or EIA) who are ready to step up will also be considered.

For more information

DM Chloe Plowright

Email me on [e-mail]

All conversations will be treated with confidentiality and no obligation.

If this position isn’t right for you but you know a suitable candidate, we would be pleased to receive an introduction. We offer a referral incentive of up to £1,000 should your recommendation result in a successful hire (subject to salary level).