Senior Permitting Specialist

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Permitting Specialist to join their dynamic team. This part-time role offers the chance to lead on environmental permitting and regulatory support, ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement. You will collaborate with the Environment Agency and mentor team members while negotiating permits and interpreting regulatory requirements. With a focus on sustainability and environmental protection, this position provides an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in water management. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package as you contribute to a greener future.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant scientific or environmental field is essential.
• Experience in negotiating with the Environment Agency is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Support compliance with environmental permit conditions across the business.
• Negotiate permits with the Environment Agency to safeguard interests.

Skills

Negotiating water discharge permits

Water Discharge Environmental Permitting

Understanding of regulatory frameworks

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Self-motivation

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in scientific or environmental discipline

Tools

MS Office

SharePoint

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Permitting Specialist to join the Permitting & Regulatory Support Team, a group of subject matter experts in environmental permitting and regulation. The team ensures the company has all necessary environmental permits for statutory operational activities, provides technical permitting advice, and collaborates with the Environment Agency on permitting matters.

This is a key technical role contributing to WINEP and permitting compliance. You will be a technical lead, driving technical excellence and continuous improvement within the team.

Working pattern: Part-time, two days a week, fixed-term contract. Hours can be split across days.

Location: Hybrid at Clearwater Court, Vastern Rd, Reading RG1 8DB.

Responsibilities

• Support compliance with environmental permit conditions, aiding teams across the business.
• Interpret regulatory requirements and assist in implementing business plans.
• Negotiate permits and changes with the Environment Agency, safeguarding company interests and minimizing costs.
• Lead on permitting and water discharge issues, coaching and mentoring team members.
• Represent Thames Water in technical meetings with water companies and the Environment Agency.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree or equivalent in a scientific or environmental discipline.
• Experience negotiating water discharge permits with the Environment Agency.
• Expertise in Water Discharge Environmental Permitting, ideally with river quality modelling.
• Understanding of Water Industry regulatory frameworks, including Environmental Permitting Regulations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, especially liaising with the Environment Agency and engineers.
• High attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with strong organization and prioritization abilities.
• Knowledge of wastewater and water treatment processes is beneficial.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially SharePoint.

Benefits

Working at Thames Water offers exposure to various business units, stakeholder interaction, and a chance to impact environmental practices. Benefits include:

• Salary from £43,120 to £52,000 depending on experience.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30, plus bank holidays.
• Generous pension scheme, health and wellbeing benefits, and more.

About Us

Thames Water is the UK's largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers. We aim to build a sustainable future, and we seek passionate, skilled individuals to join us.

Join us to make a difference in water management and environmental protection, with opportunities for career growth, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits.