Principal EIA Consultant

Location: Leeds
Salary: Competitive with excellent benefits
Type: Full-time, Permanent

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be hiring on behalf of a leading environmental consultancy for a motivated and experienced Principal EIA Consultant to join their growing Environmental Impact Assessment team. Based in Leeds, this is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects across sectors such as transport, renewable energy, and property.

This role offers the flexibility of hybrid working alongside the chance to deliver meaningful projects that positively impact the environment. If you are passionate about embedding environmental considerations into development design and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment, we encourage you to apply.

As a Principal EIA Consultant, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and coordinating environmental inputs for major EIA projects.
• Managing environmental assessments across various stages, from strategy development to detailed design and discharging of conditions.
• Preparing screening and scoping documentation, consultation materials, and Environmental Statements (ES) to the highest standard.
• Collaborating with internal technical specialists and external stakeholders to integrate environmental solutions into project designs.
• Engaging with clients, sub-consultants, and stakeholder groups to ensure effective communication and successful project delivery.
• Preparing fee proposals and managing project budgets.
• Supporting junior team members through line management or mentorship.
• Contributing to business development activities, including bid preparation.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• A degree-level qualification in EIA or a related environmental discipline.
• Comprehensive knowledge of EIA processes and relevant UK legislation.
• Broad technical understanding of key environmental disciplines and development projects.
• Proven experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary EIAs, including producing and managing high-quality documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to review and author technical reports.
• Excellent project management skills, including budget tracking and coordination of deliverables.
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated ability to manage financial control and project timelines.
• Experience in line management or mentoring junior team members.
• A proven track record of contributing to business development and bid preparation.

Your daily activities will include:

• Collaborating with internal and external teams to manage environmental inputs for ongoing projects.
• Reviewing and authoring EIA documentation, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and standards.
• Engaging with clients and stakeholders to provide updates and address project needs.
• Coordinating with technical specialists to embed environmental considerations into project designs.
• Overseeing project budgets and timelines, ensuring deliverables are met to the highest standards.
• Supporting junior team members through guidance and mentorship.
• Contributing to business development by preparing proposals and identifying new opportunities.

The company offers an attractive benefits package which includes:

• Competitive salary.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Death in service life cover.
• Bonus scheme.
• Medical cover.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to wellbeing programmes, including mental health first aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

The employer is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. As an equal opportunities employer, they ensure no applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

For more information on this role, please contact Amir Gharaati at Penguin Recruitment

We look forward to hearing from you!