Planning Director - Renewables & Infrastructure

Our time is NOW.

ERM, the worlds largest pure play sustainability consultancy, are seeking a highly experienced Planning expert to direct our established Planning practice. This is part of our 230-strong UK & Ireland Capital Project Delivery team. You can work on a hybrid basis from any of  ERM’s 16 UK offices, although we have a preference for London, Bristol, Manchester or York.

You will direct the practice through innovative projects in the decarbonisation (hydrogen, CCUS), renewable energy (solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydrogen and battery storage) and mining sectors where ERM is working with clients to lead the low carbon energy transition. Many of our projects, like our own Dolphyn Hydrogen concept and Equinor’s H2H Saltend Blue Hydrogen project for which we recently secured planning permission with no objections, are cutting edge, and offer the opportunity for you to build profile in emerging industries.

You will work within a range of planning regimes (including NSIP/DCO, TCPA, s36 (Scotland) and DNS (Wales)) to direct the Planning practice through a variety of projects and deliverables which help our clients efficiently meet their objectives in a safe, environmentally and socially sustainable manner. Our Planning practice work collaboratively with our established EIA and Project Management practice, on the preparation of EIAs and consenting applications, supported by our highly skilled technical environmental specialists. You can therefore expect to be closely involved in ensuring beneficial alignment between Planning and EIA activities.

As the Planning practice Director, you will be responsible for the growth of our sales pipeline, leveraging your network and technical excellence to win top opportunities with our High Growth, High Value (HGHV) and Key Clients, as well as for establishing relationships with prospective clients.

You will contribute to operational performance through personal revenue generation and support in minimising re-work and write-offs through excellence in scoping and delivery. You will take a leadership role with the relevant ERM Technical Community, contribute to ERM’s brand and reputation as an innovative thought leader, and provide leadership in communicating and enabling ERM’s health and safety culture.

Finally but certainly not least, you will be enthusiastic about and fully committed to the career development of the practice around you, taking an active role in helping them to grow and achieve their best.

Why join ERM?

Flexible working to suit your life – need to do the school run? Not a problem! More productive and happy if you work from home a few days per week? Go ahead! Love to travel? Ask about our Cross Border Remote Working! You’ll have 25 days annual leave + public holidays, 6% employer pension contribution, twice annual promotion opportunities, annual salary review and performance related bonus, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, EV car salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle2Work scheme, travel season ticket loan, volunteering and Give As You Earn opportunities, employee assistance programme and premium account for Calm (the #1 app for sleep and meditation) in order to look after your wellbeing, plus discounts on gym membership and gift cards for a wide variety of retailers and restaurants.

We offer employees a safety first, diverse and inclusive culture in which difference is embraced, valued and celebrated. Through the ERM Foundation we provide support for nonprofit organisations and social enterprises that share our commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable world.  With a robust career framework in place and 20+ technical communities of global experts you can join, there are great opportunities to advance your career here at ERM.

Skills and experience

• A relevant Town Planning degree qualification
• Licentiate member of RTPI (or equivalent)
• Extensive work experience in similar roles
• Track record of working on successful TCPA and DCO projects (essential)
• Scottish and/or Welsh planning and consenting experience (preferred)
• Proven track record in successful business development and growth of sales
• Committed to the career development and mentoring of your team – some prior experience preferred

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