Associate - Environmental Planning

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Quod is a leading independent consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering some of the most high profile projects in the UK. Our success is built on professionalism and providing clear, honest commercial advice to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.

As an employee owned business, we place our future in the hands of our people. We work across a wide range of sectors and consenting regimes, offering strategic advice on complex projects. Our unique approach combines planning expertise with specialist knowledge in Socio Economic, Environmental assessments and Development Economics.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate to join our Environmental Planning team, working on diverse projects including large scale regeneration, infrastructure, residential, industrial and logistics, and commercial developments.

The purpose of this role is to lead the delivery of environmental planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects, ensuring technical excellence, financial control, and effective stakeholder engagement.

The position combines project management, strategic advice, and leadership responsibilities, including managing budgets and invoicing, preparing tenders, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior colleagues.

You will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, partnering with colleagues across disciplines while taking ownership of project coordination, client engagement, and the delivery of high quality outputs.

Acting as a trusted advisor, you will represent clients and the company in meetings and consultations, contribute to business development, and support the implementation of innovative strategies to drive project success and organisational growth.

• Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate, well considered environmental planning and EIA advice with minimal senior input.
• Manage multiple projects of varying scale and complexity, coordinating teams and leading simpler schemes autonomously.
• Manage project finances, including costs, WIP, invoicing and additional fees. Prepare fee bids, tenders and project budgets, ensuring programmes and invoicing are well managed commercially.
• Produce comprehensive reports and strategic EIA approaches, considering wider project risks and implications.
• Plan and lead client, stakeholder and project meetings, clearly articulating key issues and providing constructive advice.
• Oversee multiple projects of varying scale and complexity, coordinating teams and leading simpler schemes independently.
• Coordinate and review EIA and other deliverables, including screening, scoping, EIA components and environmental planning advice/strategies.
• Independently engage with clients, planning officers, stakeholders and project teams, responding to issues professionally and effectively.
• Contribute to business development, including marketing activities, attending events, building client relationships and securing new work.
• Support team development and company culture, mentoring junior colleagues, contributing to quality reviews and engaging in wider organisational initiatives.

Relevant degree (or higher), ideally with IEMA Registered EIA Practitioner status and Chartered Environmentalist accreditation.

• Excellent understanding of EIA legislation, planning processes, relevant case law and their practical implications.
• Strong grasp of project finances, including costs, WIP, invoicing, billing, and commercially sound decision making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confident delivery of complex advice and high quality, well structured reports.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, integrity, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong analytical capability, accuracy, attention to detail, and independence in problem solving.
• Ability to engage positively with colleagues and stakeholders, contributing effectively to team collaboration and cross disciplinary working. Competent in Microsoft and other key IT tools; attentive and proactive in project and client meetings, taking responsibility and integrating well with multidisciplinary teams. Experience of effective AI application would be beneficial.

We don't just offer a competitive salary and discretionary bonus scheme, but we go further. Our commitment is to create an environment where you feel supported and valued. That is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your lifestyle and wellbeing.

Here is what you can look forward to

• Pension Plan
• 28 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Income Protection Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Comprehensive Training and Development Opportunities

And that's just the beginning. Once you have completed your probation, you will have access to even more benefits, including private medical insurance (covering pre existing conditions), Health Cash Plan, Access to a private GP, Professional membership fees, Interest free season ticket travel loans, Nursery scheme and Cycle to work scheme.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are building an inclusive culture to make Quod an excellent place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We offer flexible working benefits and excellent employee well being support. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent employee networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive.

We actively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals who share our commitment to inclusion. We will fully support candidates with a disability or long term condition who require adjustments in our recruitment process.