DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner

DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Stantec Consulting International Ltd.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning for major infrastructure projects that shape the UK's future.
  • Company: Join Stantec, a top-rated company known for its inclusive and collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on ambitious projects while growing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in planning and consenting for major infrastructure, with strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity for a DCO Planner Senior, Principal or Associate to join our Infrastructure team. This opportunity can be based from any of our UK offices.

About The Role

Ready to work on projects that genuinely shape the UK’s future? Join Stantec’s Major Infrastructure/DCO team and help consent, assess and deliver some of the country’s most ambitious major infrastructure projects. With a growing pipeline across water, energy and transport, we’re looking to fill a variety of roles at Senior, Principal, Associate and Senior Associate level who want to take the next step and work with a fantastic collaborative team.

Your Impact

  • Leading and coordinating planning and consenting workstreams for major infrastructure projects, including NSIPs under the Planning Act 2008.
  • Providing planning and EIA strategy advice and managing processes across key consenting regimes (including DCO, TCPA and DNS).
  • Progressing projects through scheme development, advising on methodologies, undertaking assessments.
  • Working closely with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to shape clear, deliverable programmes and applications.
  • Bringing structure to complex projects spotting risks early, maintaining momentum, and helping teams deliver quality outcomes.
  • Supporting and mentoring colleagues, contributing to a collaborative team culture and helping us grow.

About You

  • Experience delivering planning and consenting for major infrastructure (or ready to step up into a lead role).
  • Strong technical understanding of relevant consenting regimes especially Development Consent Orders (DCO).
  • A professional/academic qualification in Planning or Environment (or another relevant background), with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
  • Credibility with clients and stakeholders, with confident communication and a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
  • Professional accreditation (or working towards) such as MRTPI and/or APM, CMI, CEnv or CEng.

Why Join Us

  • We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
  • We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025.
  • Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025.
  • Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.
  • We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions.
  • A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.
  • We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network.
  • Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK & Ireland - we want you to be part of it!
  • Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
  • Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner employer: Stantec Consulting International Ltd.

Stantec is an exceptional employer that prioritises a friendly, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, making it a fantastic place for professionals in the planning and infrastructure sector. With industry-leading training, a commitment to employee growth, and a range of attractive benefits including flexible working options and competitive salaries, Stantec empowers its team members to thrive while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the UK's future.

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.

Contact Details:

Stantec Consulting International Ltd. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements, especially in major infrastructure. This will help us tailor our responses and show genuine interest in the role and the team.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We can even record ourselves to review our body language and tone – it’s all about making a great impression!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing our appreciation and keeping us top of mind. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate our enthusiasm for the position and the company.

We think you need these skills to ace DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner

Planning and Consenting
EIA Strategy
Development Consent Orders (DCO)
TCPA
DNS
Project Development
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the DCO Planner role. Highlight your experience with major infrastructure projects and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!

Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific projects where you've led planning and consenting workstreams. Use examples that demonstrate your understanding of Development Consent Orders (DCO) and other relevant regimes. This will help us see your impact in action!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec Consulting International Ltd.

Know Your DCO Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of Development Consent Orders (DCO) and other relevant consenting regimes. Brush up on the Planning Act 2008 and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these frameworks.

Showcase Your Project Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead and coordinate planning and consenting workstreams. Highlight any major infrastructure projects you've been involved in, focusing on your role and the outcomes achieved.

Engage with Stakeholders

Be ready to talk about your experience working with clients and stakeholders. Share how you've successfully communicated complex ideas and built relationships, as this is crucial for shaping deliverable programmes and applications.

Emphasise Team Collaboration

Since the role involves mentoring and supporting colleagues, think of examples where you've contributed to a collaborative team culture. Discuss how you’ve helped others grow and how you can bring that spirit to the new team.