Are you a seasoned environmental professional with extensive experience in protected site assessments? Do you have a keen understanding of European site protection legislation and its application in the UK and Ireland? GoBe Consultants, part of the APEM Group, is seeking a Principal Consultant to join our dynamic HRA team, specializing in providing high-quality environmental and planning advice to blue-chip companies, with a focus on offshore wind development and marine projects.
As Principal Consultant, you will lead the delivery of HRA documentation for the protection of European sites, ensuring adherence to budget and quality standards, as well as planning and managing project workloads within the HRA team. You will review reports and project documents, and guide developers through 'Appropriate Assessment' processes, keeping up with the latest legislation and guidance to ensure we deliver effective, up-to-date scientific advice and guidance to clients. You will also liaise with clients and other relevant stakeholders, as well as providing relevant engagement during the post-application phase of projects, including attending hearings (e.g. examination hearings, post-consent hearings). Additionally, you will collaborate with the HRA Team Lead to drive the business strategy, mentor junior staff, and ensure team performance and productivity.
As you progress, you will become a trusted advisor for clients and stakeholders, providing expert advice based on current legislation and guidance. You'll mentor junior staff within the HRA team, including working closely with the HRA Team Lead (Associate Director) to plan and manage workloads, and contribute to business growth strategies. By influencing current work streams and expanding products and services, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping success across the UK and Ireland.
You will have:
- Excellent written and oral communication, organisational and time management skills.
- A professional manner with strong inter-personal skills and an ability to communicate at all levels.
- Experience working, and developing relationships, with developers / regulators.
- A degree in a relevant discipline (Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, etc.).
- An established track record in the field of AA / HRA, derived from a relevant career in consultancy, research or working for government.
- Experience co-ordinating AA / HRA and the production of relevant documentation for large infrastructure projects, or experience evaluating this documentation on behalf of a competent authority or consultee.
- Detailed knowledge of the legislation relating to the protection of European sites, and how this legislation is transposed into UK and Irish law (or experience in a related field).
- Significant knowledge of consenting processes for major project applications, ideally in a marine context.
A passion for renewable energy and reducing the impact they have on the environment and habitats they operate in would be beneficial, but not required, as would experience in resource management and allocation.
You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.
Next steps
We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.
If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV; we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.