Principal EIA Consultant

Shirley Parsons; Beaconsfield; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Shirley Parsons is partnering with a leading UK infrastructure organisation to recruit a Principal EIA Consultant for ambitious highway projects. You will drive environmental strategy, oversee EIAs, and ensure sustainable outcomes across complex schemes.

You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, engage with regulators and clients, and mentor others while delivering high-impact environmental solutions across the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified with Chartered status (or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of EIA processes and planning legislation.
• Proven track record delivering EIAs and sustainability initiatives on complex schemes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement across multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Environmental Strategy and EIAs during design for major infrastructure projects.
• Embed carbon reduction, biodiversity enhancements, and climate resilience into schemes.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, clients and regulators to deliver integrated solutions.
• Provide technical leadership across environmental compliance, assessment and consultancy delivery.
• Grow capability by managing budgets, programmes and teams while upholding consultancy standards.

Skills

Environmental leadership

EIA expertise

Project delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership experience

Education

Degree-qualified with Chartered status

Job description

We’re excited to be partnered with a leading infrastructure organisation shaping the future of the UK’s highways and they’re looking for a Principal EIA Consultant to help drive real impact.

This role will give you the chance to influence major infrastructure projects, champion sustainability, and lead meaningful change. You’ll be joining a forward-thinking team at the forefront of transport infrastructure, where innovation meets purpose. This is your chance to work on high-profile highway schemes, embed environmental excellence across every stage, and play a key role in delivering safer, greener, and more resilient communities across the UK.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading Environmental Strategy – Take ownership of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) during the design phase, shaping outcomes on complex infrastructure projects
• Driving Sustainable Solutions – Embed carbon reduction, biodiversity enhancements, and climate resilience into real-world schemes
• Collaborating at Scale – Work closely with engineers, project managers, clients, and regulators to deliver integrated, practical solutions
• Providing Technical Leadership – Guide best practice across environmental compliance, assessment, and consultancy delivery
• Growing Capability & Performance – Manage budgets, programmes, and resources while supporting the development of teams and strengthening consultancy standards

Who they’re looking for:

• Experienced Environmental Leader – Degree-qualified with Chartered status (or equivalent) and a well-developed consultancy background in infrastructure or highways
• EIA Specialist – Deep understanding of EIA processes, planning legislation, and environmental assessment methodologies
• Proven Project Delivery – Track record of delivering environmental assessments, consents, and sustainability initiatives on complex schemes
• Collaborative Problem Solver – A confident communicator who thrives in stakeholder engagement and cross-functional teamwork
• Driven & Adaptable Professional – Organised, flexible, and motivated with leadership experience and a passion for delivering meaningful environmental impact