Principal Air Quality Consultant in Bristol)

Penguin Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Air Quality Consultant in Bristol to lead projects and mentor a growing team. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of consultancy experience, advanced proficiency with key modelling tools, and strong report writing skills. This role includes managing client relationships and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Competitive salary and flexible working options offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Private healthcare

Pension

Funded CPD and professional memberships

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years' experience in air quality consultancy or regulatory practice.
• Advanced proficiency with modelling tools and understanding of policy.
• Strong commercial acumen in pricing and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and sign off air quality assessments and planning submissions.
• Set modelling strategies and ensure output quality.
• Mentor and manage a team of consultants.

Skills

Air quality consultancy

Client relationship management

Report writing

Technical problem-solving

Education

Degree in Environmental/Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Engineering or related discipline

Tools

ADMS

AERMOD

Breeze

Job description

Overview

Principal Air Quality Consultant - Bristol

Location: Bristol

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Penguin Recruitment is partnering with a leading environmental consultancy to appoint a Principal Air Quality Consultant to its high-performing team in Bristol. This is a senior opportunity to lead complex projects across infrastructure, transport, urban development and industry, shaping healthier, more sustainable environments while mentoring a growing team.

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.

• 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.