Head of Planning

Our time is NOW.

ERM are seeking an experienced, highly motivated and enthusiastic Principal Planning Consultant to join and lead our market leading planning team on a hybrid basis from any ERM’s 16 UK offices.

You will work on innovative projects in the decarbonisation (hydrogen, CCUS), renewable energy (solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydrogen and battery storage) and mining sectors where ERM is working with clients to lead the low carbon energy transition. Many of our projects like our own Dolphyn Hydrogen concept and Equinor’s H2H Saltend Blue Hydrogen project for which we recently secured planning permission with no objections are cutting edge.

You will work within a range of planning regimes (including NSIP/DCO, TCPA, s36 (Scotland) and DNS (Wales)) to lead the Planning team through a variety of planning projects and deliverables that help our clients efficiently meet their objectives in a safe, environmentally and socially sustainable manner. Because our Planning team works collaboratively with our established EIA and Project Management team, you will also be involved in the preparation of EIAs and consenting applications supported by our highly skilled technical environmental specialists. You will lead on business development with both existing and new clients and take an active role in the development of more junior team members.

Why join ERM?

We are committed to building a sustainable future with the world’s leading organisations, but we believe that change starts at home. That’s why we have operated the ERM Foundation since 1995. Take a look at the Foundation Annual Report – we think you’ll be impressed.

We offer flexible working to suit your life – need to do the school run? Not a problem! More productive and happy if you work from home a few days per week? Go ahead! Love to travel? Ask about our Cross Border Remote Working! You’ll have 25 days annual leave + public holidays, 6% pension contribution, EV car salary sacrifice scheme, twice annual promotion opportunities, annual salary review and performance related bonus, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee assistance programme, volunteering and Give As You Earn opportunities, travel season ticket loan, premium account for Calm (the #1 app for sleep and meditation), Cycle2Work Scheme, plus discounts on gym membership and gift cards for a wide variety of retailers and restaurants. We also offer employees a Safety First, diverse and inclusive culture in which difference is embraced, valued and celebrated. With a robust career framework in place and 20+ technical communities of global experts you can join, there are great opportunities to advance your career here at ERM.

About You

You’ll have a relevant Town Planning degree qualification and experience working in similar role/s, with a track record of working on DCOs. You’ll be detail conscious and interested in the preparation of planning reports, and a Licentiate/RTPI (or equivalent) qualified Plannere. You will have an understanding of EIA and multidisciplinary planning projects. Scottish planning and consenting experience is essential. Consultancy and renewables experience is preferred although not essential.