Principal Air Quality Consultant

Penguin Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Air Quality Consultant in Bristol. You will lead air quality assessments, manage client relationships, and guide junior staff. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in air quality consultancy and is proficient with relevant tools. A competitive salary, hybrid working, and career progression opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Private healthcare

Pension

Flexible/hybrid working

Funded CPD

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years experience in air quality consultancy or regulatory practice.
• Strong report writing and review skills.
• Chartered or working toward (CEnv/MIEnvSc/IAQM) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and sign off air quality assessments and planning submissions.
• Set modelling strategies and assure quality.
• Grow client accounts through bid writing and fee proposals.

Skills

Air quality consultancy

Technical report writing

Stakeholder presentation

Client relationship management

Education

Degree in Environmental/Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Engineering

Tools

ADMS

AERMOD

Breeze

Job description

Overview

Principal Air Quality Consultant - Bristol

Location: Bristol

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

The Role

Based in Bristol, you'll own the technical and commercial delivery of major air quality commissions - scoping, directing and reviewing impact assessments and dispersion modelling (ADMS / AERMOD), setting methodologies, and ensuring outputs meet regulatory and client standards. You'll act as a trusted advisor to developers, planners and local authorities, and will help drive frameworks, bids and strategic client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and sign off air quality assessments, ES/EIA chapters and planning/permit submissions.
• Set modelling strategies, assure quality, and troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Grow client accounts: bid writing, fee proposals, frameworks and thought leadership.
• Line-manage, mentor and develop consultants; coordinate resourcing and training.
• Oversee monitoring campaigns, data QA/QC and evidence for inquiries/examinations.
• Track and interpret UK air quality policy, LAQM TG(22), IAQM/EPUK guidance and emerging best practice.

About You

• 7-10+ years' experience in air quality consultancy or regulatory practice.
• Advanced proficiency with ADMS/AERMOD/Breeze and robust understanding of uncertainty and verification.
• Strong report writing and review skills; confident presenting to clients and stakeholders.
• Degree in Environmental/Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Engineering or related discipline.
• Chartered or working toward (CEnv/MIEnvSc/IAQM) strongly preferred.
• Commercial acumen: pricing, programmes, risk management and client development.

The Offer

• Competitive salary and annual bonus, plus private healthcare and pension.
• Flexible/hybrid working with excellent support from national subject-matter experts.
• Funded CPD, professional memberships and clear progression to Associate/Technical Director.
• A modern, centrally located Bristol office.

Ready to step up and lead as a Principal Air Quality Consultant in Bristol? Contact Abi King at Penguin Recruitment to apply.