Principal Consultant / Technical Director of Environmental Permitting in England

A leading UK environmental consultancy group is undertaking a confidential search for a senior environmental permitting specialist to help drive the continued growth and strategic development of its industrial emissions and permitting practice. This opportunity is suited to an experienced professional with deep technical knowledge of the regulatory landscape and a strong consultancy background.

The role sits within a respected group of environmental consultancies that operate as a single integrated team of more than 140 specialists across the UK and continental Europe. The organisation delivers high-quality expertise across air quality, carbon and climate change, acoustics, the natural environment, environmental policy and economics, industrial pollution control and socioeconomics. Its permitting team works closely with colleagues supporting industrial clients across a broad range of sectors including combustion plant, waste incineration, refining, chemicals, metals, food and drink, surface treatment and wider waste operations, while also contributing to national and international policy work for governments, NGOs, development banks and the European Commission.

Responsibilities

In this senior position you will take a key role in shaping and delivering the organisation's strategy for permitting and industrial emissions. You will lead its implementation, adapt it in response to legislative or market developments, and take responsibility for identifying new opportunities and building relationships with prospective clients. You will lead major permitting projects, including new applications, variations, transfers and surrenders, as well as supporting clients with pre‑operational conditions, improvement conditions, BAT assessments and related technical studies. A central aspect of the role will be guiding clients through their regulatory obligations under UK permitting regimes and providing clear, authoritative advice on the risks and opportunities these frameworks present. Alongside the consultancy work, you will also have the chance to contribute your expertise to industrial emissions policy studies undertaken for UK and international institutions. You will play an important part in developing the team, offering direction and mentoring to junior colleagues while helping to maintain the high technical standards for which the group is known.

Qualifications

To be successful, you will bring an in‑depth understanding of the Industrial Emissions Directive and its implementing regulations in the UK, supported by a strong track record within consultancy. You will have significant experience in preparing high‑quality, duly made permit applications for installation activities, combined with a confident ability to interpret complex process information, manage multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with regulators, clients and colleagues. A background in BAT assessments and environmental risk assessment, a demonstrated ability to win new work and a history of supporting the development of junior staff will also be important. A full UK driving licence is essential. Additional experience in environmental management systems, environmental auditing or the development of Fire Prevention Plans would be beneficial, as would a relevant postgraduate qualification or chartered status.

Benefits

The organisation offers the opportunity to join one of the most respected environmental consultancy teams in the UK, with a culture that values wellbeing, flexibility and professional development. Employees benefit from hybrid working, a supportive environment and an attractive benefits package including an enhanced pension scheme, life cover, a discretionary bonus, wellbeing support and the option to buy additional leave. The group is committed to equal opportunities and fosters an inclusive working culture.