Principal EIA Consultant

Arcadis; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in sustainable design and consultancy seeks a Principal Environmental Consultant in Leeds. You will lead environmental impact assessments, manage multidisciplinary teams, and engage with clients and stakeholders. This role requires strong EIA knowledge and experience across various infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of EIA practices and sustainability principles.
• Practical knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting process.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading on the coordination and delivery of environmental work.
• Managing selected projects and quality assurance.
• Providing environmental advice and engaging with stakeholders.

Skills

EIA practices

Environmental sustainability principles

Report writing

Project management

Multidisciplinary coordination

Technical leadership

Commercial expertise

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent, preferably with chartered status

Job description

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Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

As part of a growing and agile business, our Environmental Planning team is looking for a Principal Environmental Consultant with a broad range of EIA experience. You will work collaboratively with a range of technical specialists on a broad range of projects, lead and coordinate Environmental Impact Assessments and related deliverables, work closely with clients, develop new areas of business, and mentor others in the team.

As part of our Environmental team, you'll help improve quality of life. Your work could involve protected species, pollution, surface water and materials management, air quality, or noise, especially in some of the world's busiest and most beautiful locations.

We work to protect our natural environment and water resources, while powering our world for future generations. Around the world, we are feeling the effects of climate change, rapid urbanization, and loss of biodiversity. The frequency of large-scale, unforeseen events such as floods and wildfires is increasing. We are here to protect our natural environment and water resources, while powering our world for future generations.

Role responsibilities:

1. Leading on the coordination and delivery of environmental work undertaken by multi-disciplinary teams, influencing project development, and delivering optimal environmental outcomes.
2. Undertaking your own work to an excellent standard, and reviewing the work of others.
3. Working in partnership with other members of the Impact Assessment Team across the UK.
4. Proactively managing selected projects or components of projects, taking responsibility for resource allocation, managing subcontractors, and quality assurance.
5. Leading and supporting tender proposals and bids as part of a project-winning team.
6. Providing environmental advice and support to clients, project managers, and colleagues.
7. Engaging with consultees and stakeholders.
8. Developing outstanding reports, with the ability to summarize and explain outcomes to non-technical audiences.
9. Managing projects, overseeing performance on technical, quality, commercial, and health and safety aspects.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Good knowledge of EIA practices and procedures, and a solid understanding of environmental and sustainability principles and technical specialisms.
• Experience across various project types, ideally within energy, residential/mixed-use/regeneration sectors, and other major infrastructure projects like rail/highways.
• Proven experience managing and coordinating EIA screening, scoping activities, and Environmental Statements, including reviewing specialist chapters.
• Practical knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting process.
• Strong report writing, verbal, and presentation skills, with experience reviewing others' work for quality.
• Experience in multidisciplinary coordination, project management, and technical leadership.
• Experience consulting and negotiating with planning authorities, regulators, and stakeholders.
• The ability to work as part of a team, supervising staff as applicable.
• Commercial expertise, including forecasting, project management, and quality assurance.
• Relevant degree or equivalent, preferably with chartered status or working towards it.
• A valid UK driving license.
• Desired: Experience delivering SEA and/or IIA projects.
• Desired: Knowledge of sustainability, waste, or carbon assessments.