Principal Environmental Planner

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a skilled environmental planner to lead on complex development and infrastructure projects. You will oversee project delivery, advise on policies, and support junior team members. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Environmental Planning and experience in project management. The position offers a salary of £50,000 - £60,000, along with various benefits including flexible working options and professional development support.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance including your birthday off

Private health membership

Flexible working options

Pension and life assurance

Paid study leave

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of UK environmental policy, planning law, and mitigation approaches.
• Experience preparing planning applications and technical assessments.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead or manage a small team to deliver environmental planning services.
• Prepare feasibility assessments and planning applications.
• Act as key client contact ensuring quality delivery of objectives.

Skills

Leadership skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Organised and collaborative approach

Education

Degree in Environmental Planning or related subject

Chartered membership or working toward relevant certification

Job description

Overview

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled environmental planner to lead on complex development and infrastructure projects across the UK. Working within a growing, multidisciplinary team, you will oversee project delivery from feasibility to consent, advise on environmental and planning policy, and support junior team members - all while delivering meaningful outcomes for sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or manage a small team to deliver environmental planning services across varied and sensitive sites
• Prepare feasibility assessments, screening/scoping reports, planning applications, and technical documentation
• Provide strategic input on environmental risk, design constraints, and mitigation strategies
• Act as the key client contact, ensuring quality and timely delivery of objectives
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including local authorities, clients, and technical specialists
• Support wider business growth through cross-discipline collaboration and service integration
• Maintain project records, financial tracking, and billing accuracy
• Mentor and support junior colleagues through structured development and performance feedback
• Participate in internal initiatives, training, and knowledge sharing
• Ensure compliance with relevant planning, environmental, and contractual frameworks

What You\'ll Bring

• Degree in Environmental Planning, Town Planning, or related subject
• Chartered membership (or working toward) with a relevant body (e.g. RTPI, IEMA)
• Solid understanding of UK environmental policy, planning law, and mitigation approaches
• Proven experience managing end-to-end project delivery with commercial awareness
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing planning applications and technical assessments
• Leadership skills and experience mentoring junior staff
• Organised, proactive, and collaborative approach to working across teams
• Full UK driving licence

Salary & Benefits

• £50,000 - £60,000 + annual bonus scheme
• Generous holiday allowance including your birthday off
• Private health membership with wellness and fitness benefits
• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
• Enhanced family leave (maternity and paternity)
• Pension and life assurance (4x salary)
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Paid study leave and career development support
• Sabbatical eligibility after 3 years\' service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and mental health support
• National team events and regular local office socials
• Discounted retail gift cards and additional lifestyle perks

Why Apply?

• Take the lead on impactful environmental and planning projects across key sectors
• Be part of a supportive, ambitious, and values-driven team
• Shape your career through high-profile work, mentoring, and continuous development
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a culture that champions collaboration and innovation

Interested?

If you do not hear anything back within one week, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, but I will retain your details for future roles.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me (Sue Greeff) or a confidential discussion about the position via 07458161399 or send your CV to [e-mail]