Principal / Senior Consultant (EIA & Consenting)

Manchester Source: WhatJobs

£90,000–£130,000

Principal / Senior Consultant (EIA & Consenting)

SALARY: Competitive and based on experience and qualifications.

LOCATION: Glasgow, Newcastle or Manchester City Centre Offices (Hybrid Home Working Available)

THE POSITION

As part of the continued growth of our EIA service offering, TNEI is seeking a Principal or Senior Consultant with experience in Environmental Impact Assessment, environmental coordination and infrastructure consenting.

This is a client-facing role within our Environment & Engineering team, providing leadership on EIA and consenting activities for a range of renewable energy and electricity transmission and distribution projects across the UK.

The successful candidate will work alongside planners, environmental specialists, engineers, GIS professionals and grid consultants to support the delivery of large-scale energy and transmission infrastructure projects.

You will play a key role in managing multidisciplinary environmental workstreams, coordinating technical specialists, engaging with stakeholders and supporting clients through increasingly complex environmental and consenting processes.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

An experienced EIA practitioner with a track record in renewable energy or large-scale infrastructure, or who is seeking to specialise in the rapidly expanding renewable energy / electricity transmission and distribution sector whilst working within an integrated planning, environmental and engineering consultancy focused on supporting the UK energy transition.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and coordinate Environmental Impact Assessments for a range of renewable energy and transmission and distribution infrastructure projects.
Coordinate specialist technical disciplines and environmental surveys.
Prepare and review Environmental Reports, EIA Report chapters and supporting technical documentation, ensuring compliance with relevant environmental legislation, policy and guidance.
Manage the integration of environmental considerations into project design.
Support and manage consenting activities associated with new substations, substation extensions and reinforcement projects.
Support consenting for overhead line developments, underground cable routes, grid infrastructure upgrades and associated enabling works.
Prepare and manage planning applications, NSIP, Section 37 applications and Electricity Act consent submissions.
Act as environmental project manager on multidisciplinary commissions, including co-ordination of environmental specialists, planners and engineers.
Develop and manage project programmes, delivery strategies project budgets and commercial performance, ensuring that projects are delivered on programme and within budget.
Monitor quality assurance processes and deliverable reviews.
Support fee proposals and tender submissions.
Identify opportunities for growth within the Renewable Energy & T&D sector.
Contribute to thought leadership and market development.
Maintain awareness of industry developments and regulatory changes.
Assist with strategic client account management.
Mentor and support junior consultants.
Provide technical guidance to project teams.
Share knowledge and best practice across the business.
Support continuous improvement of TNEI’s EIA and consenting services.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential requirements include:

Degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Planning, Environmental Management or a related discipline.
Demonstrable experience coordinating Environmental Impact Assessments including acting as EIA Coordinator or Environmental Lead.
Experience supporting or leading infrastructure, power or grid-related projects.
Knowledge of UK planning and environmental legislation.
Strong project management and organisational skills.
Excellent report writing and communication skills.
Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams.
Full UK driving licence.
Membership of ISEP (formerly IEMA), RTPI or another relevant professional body.
Experience with transmission and distribution projects.
Understanding of Electricity Act consenting processes.
Experience supporting Section 37 applications in Scotland.
DCO experience and familiarity with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
Understanding of power networks, substations and grid infrastructure.

ABOUT TNEI

TNEI is a specialist, vibrant consulting company that has been at the forefront of providing expert technical advice to electricity network companies, renewable energy developers, regulators and funding institutions all over the world since it was established in 1999. By nurturing the top talent in the energy industry we’ve built a solid reputation of developing innovative solutions and solving complex problems associated with achieving net zero. We offer a fast-paced learning environment with excellent career development opportunities. Join us and become part of the net zero energy revolution.

TNEI staff at the heart of the business

TNEI is an Employee Ownership Trust meaning that the people who work in the business directly benefit from and influence the direction and future success of the company.

TNEI has always been proud of its inventive and collaborative culture. That culture is at the heart of its success and ensures innovative and novel approaches to supporting and helping solve challenges facing our client base. An Employee Ownership Trust embodies this company culture in which we all feel responsible for the business’ performance and success.

By remaining independent, the company is able to retain its culture and reputation and allow staff to feel even more connected to the company.

Find out what it’s like to be part of our team and visit ‘life at TNEI’ on our website’s careers page.

Here’s How We Take Care Of You

Work life balance: 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays) & a day off to celebrate your birthday
Flexible working: Hybrid, ‘flex’ your day around our core working hours & annual opportunity to work from ‘an alternative location’
Career growth: Development opportunities & funded professional memberships
Financial rewards: Annual pay review, Discretional annual bonus scheme, employee ownership dividend & 7% employer pension contribution (with the option to enhance with salary exchange)
Wellbeing support: Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, extensive life assurance & income protection
Enhanced policies and provisions to support colleagues through all of the moments that matter
People & Community: Cycle to Work, annual travel loan, discounts platform, team socials & charity matching

Closing date for applications:

Applications will close on or before the13 November 2026

Successful candidates will be invited to interview on receipt of application. Therefore, if you are planning to apply, we recommend that you do so without delay.