At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead environmental planning projects and deliver high-quality EIA advice.
- Company: Join a top independent consultancy known for impactful development projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with strong focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental planning while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field; experience in EIA and project management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading independent consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering some of the UK’s most high-profile and complex development projects. This employee‑owned business is recognised for providing clear, commercially focused and honest advice across planning, environmental assessment and development economics. Their integrated approach brings together planning expertise with specialist capability in Socio‑Economic Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Development Economics.
This is an exciting opportunity for an Associate – Environmental Planning to join a growing Environmental Planning team, working on a diverse portfolio of projects including large‑scale regeneration, infrastructure, residential, industrial & logistics, and commercial developments.
The Role
The successful candidate will take a leading role in the delivery of environmental planning and EIA projects, ensuring high technical standards, commercial awareness, and strong stakeholder engagement throughout. This position combines project leadership, client advisory responsibilities, and team management, including overseeing budgets, managing resources, preparing bids, and mentoring junior colleagues. You will work collaboratively across disciplines while also taking ownership of project delivery, client relationships, and strategic environmental planning outputs. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will represent clients and the consultancy in meetings, consultations, and stakeholder forums, while also contributing to business development and the continued growth of the environmental planning offer.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality environmental planning and EIA advice with minimal senior oversight
- Manage multiple projects of varying scale and complexity, independently leading smaller schemes and coordinating larger multidisciplinary teams
- Oversee project finances including budgets, WIP, invoicing, and fee management
- Prepare fee proposals, bids, and tenders, ensuring robust commercial planning and programme control
- Develop and deliver EIA strategies, screening and scoping reports, and full environmental assessments
- Produce clear, high-quality technical reports and strategic advice, considering project risks and wider implications
- Plan and lead client meetings, stakeholder engagements, and project workshops
- Act as the main point of contact for clients, planning authorities, and stakeholders, providing confident and professional advice
- Review and coordinate EIA inputs across disciplines to ensure consistency and quality
- Contribute to business development through networking, client engagement, marketing activities, and securing new work
- Support team development through mentoring, technical review, and knowledge sharing
- Play an active role in maintaining and enhancing internal quality standards and company culture
About You
- Degree (or higher) in a relevant environmental, planning or related discipline
- Ideally IEMA Registered EIA Practitioner and/or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)
- Strong understanding of EIA regulations, planning policy, and relevant case law, with practical application experience
- Proven experience managing EIA projects and multidisciplinary teams
- Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting, WIP management, invoicing, and fee control
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and sound professional judgement
- Comfortable working independently while contributing effectively to team collaboration
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with experience working alongside clients, consultants, and public sector bodies
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant technical tools; experience using AI tools in project delivery is beneficial
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and a proactive approach to problem solving and delivery
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary and discretionary bonus scheme
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Structured training and professional development support
- Upon completion of probation: Private medical insurance (including pre‑existing conditions)
- Health cash plan
- Access to private GP services
- Professional membership fees covered
- Interest‑free season ticket loan
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
- Nursery scheme
Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on 01792362010 or email.
Associate – Environmental Planning in London employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading independent consultancy in London, renowned for its employee-owned culture and commitment to delivering high-profile environmental planning projects. With a focus on professional development, competitive benefits, and a collaborative work environment, this company offers an exceptional opportunity for growth and meaningful contributions to sustainable development. Enjoy a range of perks including private medical insurance, a cycle-to-work scheme, and structured training support, all while working on diverse and impactful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate – Environmental Planning in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the environmental planning field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience with EIA projects and your understanding of planning policies. Bring along examples of your work or case studies that demonstrate your skills and successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Instead of just waiting for job postings, reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles in environmental planning, and applying directly can give you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications this way!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate – Environmental Planning in London
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 Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to present complex information confidently.
Highlight Your Project Management Experience:We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple projects effectively. Be sure to include examples of how you’ve led projects, managed budgets, and coordinated teams in your application. This will show us you’re ready for the challenge!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your EIA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, highlighting your role and the outcomes. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex environmental planning tasks.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since this role involves managing multiple projects, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led projects in the past. Talk about your experience with budgeting, resource management, and how you’ve ensured high-quality deliverables while meeting deadlines.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong stakeholder engagement skills by discussing how you've effectively communicated with clients and other stakeholders in previous roles. Prepare to give examples of how you’ve navigated challenging conversations or built relationships that led to successful project outcomes.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the consultancy's approach to environmental planning and their current projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
