Specialist Sustainability

Sibelco Group; Talke; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Sibelco Group is seeking an Environmental Planner to support development and operation of mineral assets across the UK, focusing on securing planning permissions and environmental permits. The role requires collaboration with regulators, consultants, and local authorities to maintain the license to operate and sustain resource development.

The position offers opportunities to apply environmental planning expertise, deliver EIA and permitting programs, and contribute to restoration, biodiversity,

Qualifications

• Degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Earth Sciences, Town Planning or related discipline.
• Understanding of Town and Country Planning Act processes, EIA Regulations, Environmental Permitting Regulations.
• Strong report writing and communication abilities.
• Full UK driving license.

Responsibilities

• Support planning applications for new mineral extraction, processing and waste management developments.
• Coordinate EIA data and support multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Prepare, review and submit environmental permit applications and variations.
• Promote strategic mineral assets through Local Plans and Minerals & Waste Plans.
• Represent the company at stakeholder consultations events as required.
• Identify environmental constraints and opportunities for future mineral developments.
• Contribute to long-term land supply planning and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Regulatory reporting

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Environmental Planning

RTPI chartership or in progress

CEnv or equivalent

Tools

GIS

Job description

• Waste management

Location

Talke

At Sibelco, we advance life through materials.

For over 150 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing specialty industrial minerals. Our work powers progress across industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers, and water purification. Beyond our materials, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering people from all walks of life to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Are We the Perfect Match?

At Sibelco, we believe building a successful career is a two‑way journey. We’re looking for individuals who share our values and vision, just as much as you’re seeking a company that aligns with your aspirations. Together, we can shape the future.

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Environmental Planner to support the development and operation of a portfolio of mineral extraction, processing and recycling assets across the UK.

The Environmental Planner will play a key role in securing planning permissions and environmental permits for new developments, ensuring compliance with existing consents, and providing environmental and planning advice to operational teams. The role requires close collaboration with regulators, consultants, local authorities, internal and external stakeholders to maintain the company's license to operate and support long‑term mineral resource development.

The role is ideal for someone wishing to develop their career applying and developing their skills in the minerals industry.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Planning and Permitting

• Support planning applications for new mineral extraction, processing and waste management developments.
• Support Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes and coordinate data for use by multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Prepare, review and submit environmental permit applications and variations.
• Promote strategic mineral assets through Local Plans and Minerals & Waste Plans.
• Represent the company at stakeholder consultations events as and where required.

Environmental Compliance

• Monitor compliance with planning permissions, environmental permits and associated legal obligations.
• Coordinate environmental monitoring programmes covering:
  • Air quality and emissions
  • Water management
  • Waste management
  • Noise and vibration
  • Biodiversity and restoration commitments
• Support ISO 14001 environmental management system requirements and audits.
• Liaise with regulators including:
  • Environment Agency
  • Natural England
  • Mineral Planning Authorities

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop productive relationships with regulatory bodies, landowners, local communities and industry groups.
• Support community liaison groups and public consultation events.
• Provide planning and environmental guidance to operational, commercial and technical teams.

Strategic Development

• Identify environmental constraints and opportunities associated with future mineral developments.
• Contribute to mineral reserve expansion strategies and long‑term land supply planning.
• Support restoration, aftercare and biodiversity enhancement projects.
• Assist in the implementation of sustainability and ESG objectives.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• Degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Earth Sciences, Town Planning or related discipline.
• Understanding of:
  • Town and Country Planning Act processes
  • Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
  • Environmental Permitting Regulations
• Strong report writing and communication abilities.
• Full UK driving license.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in planning, environmental compliance or permitting within the minerals, quarrying, waste, construction materials or heavy industry sectors advantageous.
• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or working towards chartership.
• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Experience of mineral planning applications and quarry development projects.
• Knowledge of GIS and environmental data management systems.
• Experience of public consultation and stakeholder engagement.

Key Competencies

• Commercial awareness.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solve skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Influencing and negotiation skills.
• Attention to detail and regulatory compliance.
• Self‑motivated with a proactive approach.

What Success Looks Like

• Successful delivery of planning permissions and environmental permits.
• High standards of environmental compliance across operational sites.
• Effective management of EIA and permitting programmes.
• Positive relationships with regulators, stakeholders and local communities.
• Contribution to the company's long‑term mineral resource and sustainability strategy.

Employee Type

Permanent

Why Join Us?

Sibelco is more than a workplace—it’s a community that encourages growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our team:

• Meet Our People: Careers
• Learn About Our Recruitment Process: Learn More
• Discover Our Sustainability Goals: Sibelco priorities

We also welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support you through the selection process.

We do not require agency services as we have a dedicated Global Talent Acquisition Team.