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, bonuses, 28 days leave, and health perks.
- 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 environmental or planning discipline; EIA experience 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
Associate - Environmental Planning in London) employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
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’re at interviews or networking events, make sure to highlight your experience with EIA projects and your understanding of planning policies. Bring examples of your work to the table – it’ll help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Instead of just waiting for job postings, reach out directly to companies you admire, like the consultancy we’re supporting. Express your interest in potential opportunities and share how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking meetings, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company!
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 for the Associate - Environmental Planning role. Highlight your relevant experience in EIA projects and your understanding of planning policy, as this will show us you’re a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see your strong analytical skills and stakeholder engagement abilities shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to present complex information, as we value excellent communication skills. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨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.