At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead onshore consenting and environmental services, overseeing a team of 60 professionals.
- Company: Join a global consultancy with 25+ years in renewable energy, focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowances.
- Other info: Opportunity for thought leadership through conferences and publications.
- Why this job: Shape the future of renewables while working in a collaborative, values-driven culture.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in renewable energy planning, with expertise in onshore wind and solar required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 84000 £ per year.
Are you a recognised leader in onshore renewables consenting and environmental planning? Do you want to shape the strategic direction of one of the most respected consultancies in the renewable energy sector? We're working in partnership with a global, independent renewable energy consultancy to appoint a Director of Onshore Consenting & Environment.
With a 25+ year legacy and a team of over 500 experts worldwide, this company combines international scale with the culture and flexibility of a boutique consultancy. Their people-first ethos, technical excellence, and exclusive focus on renewables make this a compelling opportunity for the right candidate.
About the Company
With offices across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and North America, this business supports clients throughout the lifecycle of renewable energy projects—from site identification and development through to operation. They work across wind (onshore and offshore), solar, hydro, storage, and emerging technologies like hydrogen and repowering. Their Consenting & Environment division is a high-performing, cross-disciplinary team of planners, hydrologists, ecologists, ornithologists, land specialists and more, delivering critical work across some of the most exciting projects in the sector.
The Role
As Director, you will lead the Onshore Consenting & Environment service line in the UK and Ireland, overseeing a team of ~60 professionals. You will take full responsibility for strategy, performance, delivery and growth, shaping the future of this key function.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic leadership of onshore consenting, planning, permitting, and environmental services across the UK and Europe.
- Leading client engagement and business development at senior levels.
- Overseeing service delivery, resource planning, and team development.
- Setting and managing budgets and performance targets (P&L responsibility).
- Thought leadership through conferences, publications, and public speaking.
- Identifying new market opportunities-particularly in areas such as energy storage, hydrogen, and onshore repowering.
- Collaborating across service lines (e.g., offshore planning, ecology, construction) to deliver integrated solutions.
- Driving continuous improvement in delivery, quality, and innovation.
What We're Looking For
- At least 15 years of experience in renewable energy planning and consenting, with deep expertise in onshore wind and solar.
- Recognised industry presence and a well-developed professional network.
- Experience of UK consenting regimes (e.g. Section 36, Town & Country Planning Act); familiarity with Scottish, English, Welsh, and Irish frameworks preferred.
- Commercial acumen and experience managing service line budgets and contracts.
- Proven track record of team leadership and strategic growth.
- Confident communicator-comfortable engaging with stakeholders, clients, regulators, and industry forums.
- Experience with stakeholder and landowner engagement; public inquiry exposure is a plus.
- Collaborative, resilient, and driven, with a clear commitment to delivering quality outcomes.
Why Join?
This is a senior leadership role within a company that:
- Offers global reach with a personal touch-you'll be part of a collaborative, values-led culture.
- Invests in innovation and supports the professional growth of its people.
- Operates exclusively in renewables, driven by the mission of accelerating the energy transition.
Benefits Include:
- Competitive salary up to £105,000
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Bupa private healthcare
- Life assurance and income protection
- 25 days' holiday + 10 bank holidays
- Discounted holidays and lifestyle perks
- Flexible hybrid working options
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Onshore Consenting and Environment
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the renewable energy sector. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to connect with professionals who can provide insights or referrals. Engaging with others in your field can help you learn about unadvertised opportunities and gain valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your thought leadership by contributing to relevant publications or speaking at events. This not only enhances your visibility but also demonstrates your expertise in onshore consenting and environmental planning, making you a more attractive candidate for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the specific UK and Irish consenting regimes mentioned in the job description. Understanding these frameworks will allow you to speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the company's needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for the Onshore Consenting & Environment service line. Think about how you would approach growth and innovation in this area, as well as how you would lead and develop your team to achieve these goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Onshore Consenting and Environment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in renewable energy planning and consenting. Focus on your leadership roles, specific projects you've managed, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for renewable energy and your strategic vision for the Onshore Consenting & Environment service line. Mention your familiarity with UK consenting regimes and how your network can benefit the company.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your application, emphasise your 15+ years of experience in the sector, particularly in onshore wind and solar. Include examples of successful stakeholder engagement and team leadership to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Showcase Thought Leadership:If you have experience with public speaking, publications, or industry forums, make sure to include this in your application. This will illustrate your thought leadership and commitment to advancing the renewable energy sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Scott Ltd
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in renewable energy planning and consenting, particularly in onshore wind and solar. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led and the impact of your work on those projects.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
As a Director, you'll need to show that you can think strategically about the future of onshore consenting and environmental services. Prepare examples of how you've shaped strategy in previous roles and how you plan to drive growth in this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with clients, regulators, and landowners. Share any experiences you have with public inquiries or complex negotiations.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Discuss your approach to team development, resource planning, and how you foster a collaborative environment to achieve quality outcomes.
