Principal Environmental Planner
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled environmental planner to lead on complex development and infrastructure projects across the UK. Working within a growing, multidisciplinary team, you will oversee project delivery from feasibility to consent, advise on environmental and planning policy, and support junior team members-all while delivering meaningful outcomes for sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead or manage a small team to deliver environmental planning services across varied and sensitive sites
- Prepare feasibility assessments, screening/scoping reports, planning applications, and technical documentation
- Provide strategic input on environmental risk, design constraints, and mitigation strategies
- Act as the key client contact, ensuring quality and timely delivery of objectives
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including local authorities, clients, and technical specialists
- Support wider business growth through cross-discipline collaboration and service integration
- Maintain project records, financial tracking, and billing accuracy
- Mentor and support junior colleagues through structured development and performance feedback
- Participate in internal initiatives, training, and knowledge sharing
- Ensure compliance with relevant planning, environmental, and contractual frameworks
What You'll Bring
- Degree in Environmental Planning, Town Planning, or related subject
- Chartered membership (or working toward) with a relevant body (e.g. RTPI, IEMA)
- Solid understanding of UK environmental policy, planning law, and mitigation approaches
- Proven experience managing end-to-end project delivery with commercial awareness
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience preparing planning applications and technical assessments
- Leadership skills and experience mentoring junior staff
- Organised, proactive, and collaborative approach to working across teams
- Full UK driving licence
Salary & Benefits
- £50,000 - £60,000 + annual bonus scheme
- Generous holiday allowance including your birthday off
- Private health membership with wellness and fitness benefits
- Flexible working options to support work/life balance
- Enhanced family leave (maternity and paternity)
- Pension and life assurance (4x salary)
- Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Paid study leave and career development support
- Sabbatical eligibility after 3 years' service
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and mental health support
- National team events and regular local office socials
- Discounted retail gift cards and additional lifestyle perks
Why Apply?
- Take the lead on impactful environmental and planning projects across key sectors
- Be part of a supportive, ambitious, and values-driven team
- Shape your career through high-profile work, mentoring, and continuous development
- Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a culture that champions collaboration and innovation
Interested?
If you do not hear anything back within one week, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, but I will retain your details for future roles.
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 (Sue Greeff) or a confidential discussion about the position via 07458161399 or send your CV to sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com
