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 or readiness to step into a lead role.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 € per year.
Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Infrastructure team as a DCO Planner – Senior, Principal, or Associate. 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.
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit 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. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success.
If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner in Manchester employer: Stantec
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 strong focus on sustainability, Stantec offers competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of the UK. Join us and be part of a supportive team dedicated to delivering innovative solutions while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Stantec or in the industry on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching recent projects Stantec has worked on. Show us you’re genuinely interested in shaping the UK’s future and how your skills can contribute to that vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to convey complex ideas clearly, so consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace DCO Senior, Principal or Associate Planner in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the DCO Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning and consenting for major infrastructure projects, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:We want to see your strong understanding of relevant consenting regimes, especially Development Consent Orders (DCO). Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated these processes.
Communicate Clearly:Your application should reflect your confident communication skills. Be clear and concise in your writing, and make sure to convey your practical, solutions-focused mindset. This will help us see how you can contribute to our collaborative team culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec
✨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 planning and consenting workstreams. Highlight any major infrastructure projects you've been involved in, focusing on your role and the outcomes achieved.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex projects. Remember, you’ll need to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, so showcasing your confident communication skills is key.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Stantec values a collaborative team culture, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve supported and mentored colleagues in the past. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment and helped others grow.