The Environmental & Sustainability Services (ESS) team consists of over 120 environmental and sustainability professionals located across 16 offices spread throughout the UK. ESS are involved in a diverse range of projects across a number of different sectors, including but not limited to highways, rail, energy and water projects for a variety of clients including local authorities, the Environment Agency, water/energy companies and many more. ESS lead on the coordination and management of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA's) and various other environmental and sustainability deliverables at all stages of the environmental planning process, helping to coordinate inputs from different multidisciplinary environmental technical teams.
The ESS team undertake various forms of environmental assessments and sustainability appraisals, liaising with clients, engineers and design teams to identify potential environmental and social constraints, develop suitable mitigation measures, and determine ways in which environmental enhancement and sustainability can be built into project delivery. Digital innovation is also at the forefront of all work undertaken, with several team members skilled in the use of GIS and ESS fully embracing the use of emerging digital technologies.
We are looking for a Principal/ Senior Associate level consultant to take on a leadership role with our Reading-based team, working on projects across the UK and potentially internationally. We would be very keen to talk with you if you are interested in working across a diverse portfolio of projects, delivering environmental and sustainable outcomes for our clients and also helping to develop our people. We are seeking someone to help manage and lead the growing Reading team, working alongside the ESS London South and East Team Lead, including managing resources, some line management duties, cascading key messages such as regarding health and safety, aiding with the technical development of junior staff and looking out for their wellbeing in the working environment.
Candidate Specification
- Relevant academic/professional qualifications.
- Chartership through a relevant organisation.
- Demonstrable knowledge of EIA and relevant legislation in the UK. Experience of working on DCO schemes would be beneficial.
- A successful track record in project and construction environmental management, working with design teams to deliver large infrastructure projects
- Experience of sustainability appraisal is desirable, along with the drive to help our clients to deliver low-carbon sustainable solutions
- Flexibility in your approach to work, available to spend time away from your home base as needed.
- The ability to manage your own work and that of others, whilst being an integral member of a wider project team.
- Line management experience would be advantageous
- Commercial awareness and experience with managing budgets as part of project delivery.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
- Strong IT skills.
- Excellent 'self-starting' capabilities
As a Principal Environmental Consultant, you will work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, alongside engineers, town planners and a range of environmental and social specialists. Your role will include leading and coordinating projects from early stage feasibility and environmental appraisal to full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of planning applications across a range of regimes.
You will be responsible for the management of project teams, undertaking scoping, preparation and delivery of environmental appraisals and assessments, programming EIA processes, environmental risk management and the co-ordination of environmental, social and sustainability specialists. You will be required to undertake technical checks and approvals of environmental and sustainability deliverables and undertake project reviews in line with our business and environmental management systems.
Core skills applicable to this role include the ability to influence the interests of clients, stakeholders, regulators and other government agencies, while communicating with the team to ensure project-related environmental and sustainability concerns/ opportunities are identified and addressed. You will have the opportunity to influence decision making and integrate sustainability into the design process. You will advocate for solutions that focus on a place-based approach to support our clients achieve their net zero carbon commitments, delivery of nature-based solutions and becoming climate resilient.
As a key member of the Environmental and Sustainability Services team, you will engage with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders, from both the public and private sector. This could be via public consultation events, stakeholder workshops, public inquiries or industry events. You will be involved in monitoring resources, managing budgets, guiding staff, undertaking project management, assisting with contract and risk management and attendance at client meetings. You will also be involved in the preparation of fee estimates, proposal writing and general business development activities, as well as providing technical guidance and mentoring of more junior staff members.
