Planning & Environmental Compliance Specialist

ESB; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

ESB Engineering & Major Projects in Glasgow seeks an experienced Planning and Environmental Compliance Specialist to oversee planning and environmental compliance across its UK windfarm portfolio, with a focus on Scotland.

You will discharge planning conditions, support environmental compliance during delivery, and engage with statutory authorities and stakeholders. The role requires UK/Scottish regulatory knowledge and experience in major infrastructure consenting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Planning / Environmental Science / Environmental Engineering or equivalent with 7+ years in planning and/or environmental compliance.
• Deep knowledge of UK/Scottish planning and environmental regulation, incl. major infrastructure consenting.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and public consultation experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning and environmental compliance activities for ESB's UK wind farm portfolio, esp. Scottish sites.
• Lead consultations with authorities and stakeholders (local authorities, NatureScot, SEPA, Marine Scotland).
• Coordinate preparation and submission of planning and environmental applications to authorities.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Driving licence

Team collaboration

Public consultations

Education

Level 8 Degree in Planning / Environmental Science / Environmental Engineering

Level 9 Degree in Planning / Environmental Science / Environmental Engineering

Job description

ESB Engineering & Major Projects is seeking an experienced Planning and Environmental Compliance Specialist to manage the delivery of planning and environmental compliance across its UK windfarm portfolio, with a particular focus on projects in Scotland.

The role will involve managing the discharge of planning conditions, supporting environmental compliance during project delivery, engaging with statutory authorities and key stakeholders, and providing expert planning and environmental advice to multidisciplinary project teams.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of UK and Scottish planning and environmental regulatory requirements, experience in major infrastructure consenting and compliance, and the ability to manage consultants, stakeholders and project requirements in a structured and collaborative manner.

In support of ESB's strategic objectives of decarbonising electricity, building resilient infrastructure and empowering customers, this role enables the efficient and compliant delivery of renewable energy projects across the UK, helping ESB to grow its low-carbon generation portfolio while managing environmental and planning risks effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage planning and environmental compliance activities, including the discharge of planning conditions, for ESB's portfolio of consented UK onshore wind farms, in particular the Scottish wind farm portfolio.
• Lead consultations with key external stakeholders and statutory authorities as required e.g. local authorities, NatureScot, SEPA, Marine Scotland, public consultations etc.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across ESB and partner companies to manage the preparation and submission of planning and environmental consenting applications to the appropriate statutory authorities, in compliance with the relevant legislative requirements.
• Manage the procurement and delivery of planning, environmental and other related consultant services to support project consenting and compliance activities.
• Provide expert planning and environmental advice to project teams across ESB to successfully scope and deliver projects in a timely manner by contributing to feasibility, screening and other studies for sites as required.
• Find solutions to planning and environmental consenting issues, with limited oversight and advise project teams on technical planning and environmental matters.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant planning and environmental regulatory requirements for ESB development projects especially in areas of new technologies.

Experience and Qualifications

• Level 8 Planning / Environmental Science / Environmental Engineering Degree or equivalent qualification and with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in the area of Planning and/or Environmental Compliance and experience in discharge of planning conditions on consented major infrastructure projects.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of UK, and in particular the Scottish, planning and environmental regulatory requirements, including major infrastructure consenting processes such as Section 36, EIA and Habitats Regulations assessment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging internal and external stakeholders and leading public consultations.
• Demonstrated ability in effective decision-making and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with key stakeholders.
• Organised and structured approach to project delivery, with proven project management expertise and commercial awareness.
• A full clean driving licence.

Desirable

• Level 9 Planning / Environmental Science / Environmental Engineering Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Chartered status in a recognised professional institution.
• Full membership of a recognised professional planning institute.
• Project Management qualification.

Location

This position is based in ESB's Glasgow office. Travel to project locations throughout Scotland as required, is a key requirement of the role.

Smart Working at ESB is designed to make 'in-person' time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.

Reporting To

This role will report to the Environmental Compliance Team Lead, Planning & Environmental Group, Generation Engineering, ESB Engineering & Major Projects.

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland's transition tonet zero carbon future
• Career developmentthrough mentoring andtraining
• Sports and Social Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Generous Pension
• Access to staff well-being programmes
• Generous parental leave entitlements
• Strong values-based and inclusive culture
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

Salary

£61,000 - £76,000 Per annum

Closing Date

24th September 2026

Interview

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:

• Accountable and Ethical
• Collaborative
• Growing and Adaptive
• ProactiveRespectful and Supportive

More information available on Our People Promise

Notes

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.

The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment.