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- Tasks: Lead environmental planning projects and deliver impactful assessments for high-profile developments.
- Company: Prestigious independent consultancy with a focus on environmental excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, private medical insurance, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental planning while mentoring the next generation of professionals.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, IEMA Principal EIA Practitioner level, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A highly regarded prestigious independent consultancy is seeking an Associate to join its Environmental Planning team. The role offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of high-profile projects across regeneration, infrastructure, residential, industrial, logistics and commercial development.
The Role
This role will lead the delivery of environmental planning and Environmental Impact Assessment projects, ensuring technical excellence, robust financial management and effective stakeholder engagement. You will combine project leadership with strategic advisory responsibilities, managing multidisciplinary teams, overseeing budgets and invoicing, preparing tenders and supporting the development of junior colleagues. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will represent clients in meetings and consultations, contribute to business development and help shape innovative project strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of environmental planning and EIA projects, providing clear, strategic advice
- Prepare fee proposals and tenders, managing project budgets, costs, invoicing and financial governance
- Plan and chair meetings with clients, stakeholders and planning authorities
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely, high quality outputs
- Build and maintain strong client relationships and support new business generation
- Mentor junior colleagues, review work for quality and support professional development
- Contribute to marketing activity and wider company initiatives
- Support the development of environmental planning strategies alongside senior leadership
About You
- Relevant degree or higher qualification
- IEMA Principal EIA Practitioner level and Chartered Environmentalist status
- Strong knowledge of EIA legislation, planning processes and relevant case law
- Confident communicator with strong negotiation and influencing skills
- Commercially aware, with experience of budget management and financial control
- Excellent report writing, analytical and presentation skills
- Strong professional integrity, sound judgement and collaborative approach
- Evidence of industry standing and ability to work effectively across teams
What’s on Offer
Alongside a competitive salary and discretionary bonus, the organisation offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing and long term development, including:
- 28 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Ongoing training and development
- Following probation, additional benefits include private medical insurance, health cash plan, access to a private GP, professional membership fees, interest free travel loans, nursery scheme and cycle to work scheme.
Inclusion and Flexibility
My client is committed to building an inclusive and supportive working environment where people feel valued and able to be themselves. Flexible working is supported, alongside strong wellbeing initiatives and employee networks. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates and reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Consulting, Strategy/Planning, and Project Management; Environmental Services, Environmental Quality Programs, and Architecture and Planning
Associate Director – EIA in Leeds employer: JSM Associates
Contact Detail:
JSM Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – EIA in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We suggest mentioning something specific from the interview to remind them of your great conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications this way!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – EIA in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in environmental planning and EIA projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your project leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed projects and mentored junior colleagues in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that get straight to the point while still reflecting your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of all applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at JSM Associates
✨Know Your EIA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and planning processes. Be ready to discuss recent case law and how it applies to the projects you’ll be leading. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously. Highlight your experience with budget management and financial governance, as these are key aspects of the role. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your effectiveness in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about potential stakeholder engagement scenarios you might face in this role. Prepare to discuss how you would plan and chair meetings with clients and planning authorities. Showing that you can navigate complex discussions will set you apart as a strong candidate.
✨Mentorship Matters
Since mentoring junior colleagues is part of the job, come prepared with examples of how you’ve supported others in their professional development. Discuss your approach to reviewing work for quality and how you foster a collaborative environment. This will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
