Principal Environmental Consultant

Shirley Parsons Ltd; Loudwater; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Shirley Parsons Ltd is seeking a Principal Environmental Consultant to shape environmental strategy and lead technical delivery across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects.

You will direct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) activities, advise senior stakeholders, and mentor consultants while driving carbon reduction and climate resilience initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering environmental solutions across infrastructure, construction or highways projects.
• Solid expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment and environmental planning.
• Ability to balance environmental priorities with project objectives and commercial considerations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Environmental Strategy on landmark infrastructure projects from concept to delivery.
• Provide senior-level environmental advice across EIA, planning, sustainability and compliance.
• Drive carbon, biodiversity and climate resilience initiatives within projects and client portfolios.
• Develop and grow the environmental function within the consultancy team and strengthen capabilities.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, regulators and multidisciplinary teams to shape project strategy.

Skills

Environmental leadership

EIA expertise

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Education

Chartered environmental professional

Job description

We're excited to be partnering with a leading infrastructure and highways and essential services organisation that is continuing to grow its environmental consultancy function. As investment increases across major infrastructure programmes, they're looking for a Principal Environmental Consultant to play a pivotal role in shaping environmental strategy, leading technical delivery and influencing sustainable outcomes across a diverse portfolio of projects.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced environmental professional who wants to move beyond project delivery and take a strategic leadership role. You'll be responsible for directing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) activities, advising senior stakeholders, mentoring consultants and helping drive innovation across carbon reduction, biodiversity and climate resilience initiatives. If you're looking for a role that combines technical excellence, leadership and genuine influence, this could be the perfect next step.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Leading Environmental Strategy on Landmark Projects: Take the lead on complex infrastructure schemes, influencing key decisions and ensuring environmental considerations are embedded from concept through to delivery.
• Being the Go-To Technical Expert: Provide senior-level environmental advice across EIA, planning, sustainability and compliance, helping project teams navigate challenges and unlock opportunities.
• Driving Carbon, Biodiversity & Climate Resilience Initiatives: Champion innovative environmental solutions that deliver meaningful improvements and create long-term positive impacts.
• Shaping the Future of a Growing Consultancy Team: Play a key role in developing the environmental function, enhancing standards, strengthening capabilities and supporting future growth.
• Influencing Senior Stakeholders & Clients: Build trusted relationships with clients, regulators and multidisciplinary teams, helping to shape project strategy and deliver successful outcomes.

Who They're Looking For:

• A Respected Environmental Leader: An experienced consultant with a proven track record of delivering environmental solutions across infrastructure, construction or highways projects.
• An EIA & Planning Specialist: Someone with solid expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment, environmental planning and the wider regulatory landscape.
• A Strategic Thinker with Commercial Awareness: Able to balance environmental priorities, project objectives and commercial considerations while delivering exceptional results.
• A Collaborative People Leader: Experienced in mentoring and supporting teams, creating an environment where others can develop and perform at their best.
• An Ambitious Principal Consultant Ready to Make an Impact: A chartered environmental professional who wants to influence major projects, shape team growth and leave a lasting legacy on the UK's infrastructure sector.