Senior to Associate EIA Consultant

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior to Associate EIA Consultant to join a Environmental and Planning team in central Scotland, leading the delivery of some of the UK’s most dynamic and sustainability-driven infrastructure projects.

This role offers the chance to influence high-impact schemes across renewable energy, water, transport, and national-scale utilities, supporting major developments from concept through to consent and beyond. You will play a pivotal part in shaping a regional team, delivering expert EIA and wider environmental planning services across projects with varying levels of environmental sensitivity.

This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys blending strategic project leadership, technical delivery, field knowledge, and client engagement. You’ll guide the consenting process, collaborate with internal specialists and external stakeholders, and ensure that all work meets high-quality standards aligned with current policy and legislation - particularly within the Scottish planning system.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental Outcome Reports (EORs) across a diverse range of infrastructure projects.
• Oversee planning and environmental inputs across statutory and non-statutory development routes, including NSIPs, planning applications, and permitted development.
• Provide strategic advice on UK environmental legislation, with a strong focus on evolving Scottish policy and planning frameworks.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, local authorities, and technical stakeholders - attending meetings and site visits as needed.
• Manage the performance of a small team, ensuring delivery to deadlines and supporting junior staff through mentoring, delegation, and line management.
• Contribute to business growth by identifying new opportunities, supporting proposals, and promoting integrated service offerings across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Stay up to date with regulatory changes and pursue ongoing professional development, including CPD and professional accreditation (e.g. IEMA, RTPI).

Desired Candidate Profile

• A relevant degree in Environmental, Planning, or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership of IEMA, RTPI, or another relevant professional body - or actively working towards it.
• A strong track record of delivering EIA services within the UK planning system, including experience across a range of sectors and sensitivities.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant environmental and planning legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven project management skills, with experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and meeting key deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to write and contribute to fee proposals, with confidence in stakeholder engagement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, coupled with sound analytical and presentation abilities.
• A collaborative mindset and a proactive, organised, and self-motivated approach to work.
• A full UK driving licence.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a dynamic consultancy with a commitment to sustainability and innovation. You’ll be part of a team with access to significant projects and the chance to help shape a more sustainable future for infrastructure development across Scotland and beyond.

Benefits

Benefits include healthcare, pension, flexible working – plus extras that support your wellbeing and development.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position.