At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse planning projects and support clients through the entire planning process.
- Company: Join a leading environmental consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable communities and make a real impact in the built environment.
- Qualifications: Planning-related degree, MRTPI qualified, and strong business development skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
SLR has a successful and growing Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment team that works across all business sectors throughout the UK, along with international businesses. We are now looking to appoint an established Director, with strong experience across built environment, to lead on the expansion of our North West team based in Manchester and Bolton.
You will be involved in leading a variety of projects from major planning and EIA applications to smaller submissions, site promotion work, planning appeals, planning appraisals, and more, for a wide range of clients. You will help to support the team in supplying the full range of planning services to clients, working alongside our internal technical teams as well as external consultant/project teams. In addition, you will be expected to win new clients, helping grow the portfolio and professional development of the Northern Planning Team.
SLR's Northern Planning Team leads a range of diverse planning projects, including energy, minerals, waste, commercial and residential, across England for both national and regional clients. You'll be an integral part of a dynamic and growing team that values collaboration, innovation, and delivering high-quality planning advice. You’ll contribute to shaping sustainable communities, managing complex projects, and supporting clients through every stage of the planning process.
The role will comprise a mixture of home working and working from your preferred office, with opportunities to work from our Manchester office (Northern Quarter) or Bolton (Middlebrook). The planning team is usually in the office three days a week.
Rewards & Benefits
SLR's ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment where people can develop and grow. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and support towards chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer excellent opportunities for long-term career progression. Our flexible benefits and reward package includes:
- Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
- Company pension
- Private medical insurance
- Life, income, and travel insurance
- Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle-to-work schemes
- Volunteering and Community Giving
- Flexible, hybrid and agile working
- 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays
- Buy or sell leave options
- Core working hours
- Cross-border remote working and sabbatical opportunities
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay
- Workplace Nursery benefit
The role
You will work within an experienced team, with the opportunity to work with the SLR offices around the UK and be involved in a series of exciting challenges with one of the leading environmental consultancies in the UK. While our Northern planning team works on a wide range of energy, minerals, waste and commercial schemes, offering involvement in a broad range of planning projects, we are looking for someone with a strong residential and commercial focus to develop new projects, predominantly in the North-west. The ideal candidate will work to expand the Manchester team and to bring in new work and ideally be central to growing our presence in Manchester.
- Lead and manage a range of planning projects from initial inception and early strategy development, including site promotion, through to consent and development stages
- Provide strategic planning advice throughout the development process
- Work alongside the planning director and wider team to lead and coordinate a range of in-house and external technical specialists
- Contribute to developing and expanding the client base for the team
- Lead on the management, preparation and review of a range of planning and technical reports and supporting documentation
- Represent the business and its clients to key stakeholders, local authorities and regulators
- Participate in business development and networking activities to promote SLR and the Northern Planning Team to new and existing clients, and other development professionals
You will also be supported in growing your professional experience through work on a range of projects and access to CPD opportunities, within a supportive and friendly team.
About you
If you have the requisite town planning experience and driving licence, we'd love to hear from you! We are looking for someone with:
- Planning-related degree or post-graduate qualification, along with a sound knowledge of the planning system
- MRTPI qualified with significant private sector experience (or demonstrable experience at a comparable level) in the town planning sector
- Strong track record of winning work and the drive to develop new business opportunities and shape your own client portfolio
- Proven team leadership and stakeholder/client management skills
- Excellent organisational, communication and report writing skills
- Enthusiasm to mentor and support junior members of the team as well
- Proven ability to work to deadlines and budgets and manage programmes
- Self-motivated and comfortable with autonomy to run work streams independently
Culture & Inclusion
Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
Director - Planning & EIA in Bolton employer: SLR Consulting
SLR is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and people-first culture that prioritises professional development and work-life balance. With a strong focus on sustainability, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive support for mental health, and a structured career framework that encourages growth and progression within the multidisciplinary consulting field. Located in Bolton or Stoke, this role provides the opportunity to lead impactful projects while being part of a supportive team dedicated to making sustainability happen.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Planning & EIA in Bolton
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like SLR Consulting.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like SLR Consulting and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Planning & EIA in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at SLR Consulting.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. SLR Consulting will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Director - Planning & EIA at SLR Consulting. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at SLR Consulting
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at SLR Consulting, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show SLR Consulting that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
