Associate - Environmental Planning

Job Title: Associate - Environmental Planning

Location: London

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

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