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- Tasks: Lead environmental planning projects and deliver strategic advice on high-profile developments.
- Company: Prestigious independent consultancy known for its employee-owned culture and expert advice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, private medical insurance, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse projects while mentoring the next generation of professionals.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, EIA Practitioner level, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on wellbeing and inclusivity.
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 business is employee-owned and recognised for providing clear, commercially focused advice on complex projects across multiple consenting regimes. Its approach combines planning expertise with specialist knowledge in Environmental Impact Assessment, socio-economics and development economics.
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:
- Pension plan
- 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.
EIA Associate Director in Leeds employer: JSM Associates
Contact Detail:
JSM Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EIA Associate Director in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the environmental planning field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in EIA and environmental planning. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are keen to join our team and contribute to exciting projects in environmental planning.
We think you need these skills to ace EIA Associate Director 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: As an Associate Director, you'll be leading teams and managing projects. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past. We love to see examples of mentoring and developing junior colleagues too!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to read and straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that reflect your strong report writing skills, so keep it professional yet engaging.
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 processes. Be prepared to discuss specific case studies or projects you've worked on, showcasing your expertise and how it aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be leading teams and managing projects. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, focusing on your strategic advisory skills and how you’ve engaged stakeholders effectively.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since budget management is key in this role, be ready to talk about your experience with financial governance. Bring examples of how you've managed budgets, invoicing, and any challenges you've overcome in financial control.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and their commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing. During the interview, express how you align with these values and how you can contribute to fostering a supportive environment for your colleagues.
