Associate - Environmental Planning

The organisation is a leading independent consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high-profile projects across the UK. Its success is built on professionalism and a commitment to providing clear, commercially focused advice to achieve optimal outcomes for clients.

As an employee-owned business, the organisation places significant emphasis on its people, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment. It operates across a wide range of sectors and consenting regimes, offering strategic advice on complex developments. Its integrated approach combines planning expertise with specialist knowledge in socio-economic assessment, environmental assessment, and development economics.

The Associate will be responsible for leading the delivery of environmental planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects, ensuring technical excellence, effective financial management, and successful stakeholder engagement.

The role combines project leadership, strategic advisory responsibilities, and team management. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams while maintaining ownership of project coordination, client relationships, and high-quality deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality environmental planning and EIA advice with minimal senior oversight Manage multiple projects of varying size and complexity, coordinating internal and external teams Oversee project financial performance, including budgeting, work in progress (WIP), invoicing, and fee management Prepare fee proposals, tenders, and project budgets, ensuring strong commercial control Produce comprehensive reports and develop strategic EIA approaches, considering risks and project implications Lead client, stakeholder, and project meetings, clearly communicating key issues and providing practical advice Coordinate and review EIA deliverables, including screening, scoping, and Environmental Statements Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, planning authorities, and stakeholders Contribute to business development activities, including networking, marketing, and securing new opportunities Support team development by mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to quality assurance and internal initiativesRequirements

Degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline Professional accreditation (or working towards), such as Chartered Environmentalist or Registered EIA Practitioner Strong understanding of UK EIA legislation, planning processes, and relevant case law Proven experience in project management, including financial oversight and client engagement Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving capability Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant digital tools; experience with AI applications would be advantageous

What's on Offer

The organisation offers a competitive salary and discretionary bonus, alongside a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing and professional development. This includes a pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement, life assurance, income protection, and access to an employee assistance programme.

Following successful completion of probation, additional benefits may include private medical insurance, a health cash plan, access to private GP services, payment of professional membership fees, interest-free travel loans, and cycle-to-work and childcare schemes.

Please get in contact with Matt Stevenson on (phone number removed) or