Consents Manager (Town Planning)

Navigating the complex web of planning permissions, environmental approvals, regulatory licenses, and stakeholder consultations is critical to the timely execution of infrastructure projects. Assystem’s consents management team ensures that all necessary permissions are identified, obtained, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

• Provide expert advice on the Scottish planning system.
• Advise on how planning and consenting strategies align with wider masterplans and portfolio development objectives.
• Keep up to date with changes in Scottish planning, environmental legislation, and marine licensing requirements.
• Prepare and submit a range of planning applications and supporting documents, including Planning Statements, Design and Access Statements, and Environmental Reports.
• Lead or support the application process for environmental permits under SEPA’s regulatory frameworks.
• Manage or contribute to the preparation and submission of marine licence applications to Marine Scotland, including understanding of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and related regulations.
• Support business development, client engagement, and mentoring of junior team members.
• Lead or support the planning and consenting strategy for major infrastructure projects, including terrestrial and marine developments.
• Delivery of technical engagement programmes for stakeholders including local authorities, statutory and non-statutory bodies and the general public
• Support and develop – create a local leadership team by delegation, coaching and mentoring
• Manage and coordinate the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, including screening, scoping, stakeholder engagement, and technical review.
• Liaise with planning authorities, SEPA, Marine Scotland, and other statutory bodies to facilitate smooth consent processes.

We place great emphasis on both written and verbal communication; those that flourish within our organisation are naturally inclined to engage with their colleagues & stakeholders alike and to be proactive in reaching out to others in overcoming hurdles.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Town Planner to join our team in Glasgow, working on a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure and development projects across Scotland and the UK. This role is ideal for a planner with strong expertise in Scottish Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Knowledge and experience of environmental permitting via SEPA and marine licensing processes would be expected.

The successful candidate will play a key advisory and delivery role on multi-disciplinary projects, particularly in infrastructure sectors such as energy, marine, transport, and utilities. The role requires excellent communication and project management skills, along with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.

• Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, or related discipline (RTPI-accredited).
• Stakeholder facilitation, negotiation and mediation
• Strong working knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under Scottish and UK legislation.
• Ability to see things differently – prepared to question standard approaches in order to manage consenting risks and programme deadlines
• High levels of resilience and adaptability
• Significant experience in Scottish planning and major infrastructure development, ideally within consultancy, regulatory, or client-side roles.
• Proven ability to influence and persuade key stakeholders.
• Sole UK National
• Strong project management, report writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive internal and external relationships at all levels.
• Embraces and leads change with an ability to influence and implement best practice internally and at project level.
• Good stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, work to deadlines, and collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience engaging with SEPA and managing environmental permits, including understanding of the Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) and Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC).
• Good negotiation / collaboration skills to ensure full support within the framework.
• Chartered Member of the RTPI (or working toward chartership).
• Demonstrated experience with Marine Licensing, including preparation and submission of marine licence applications and engagement with Marine Scotland.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering stakeholder engagement and managing communications that are underpinned by a customer focus.

• Collaborative and cross disciplinary working
• Hybrid/flexible working arrangements.
• Supportive, collaborative team environment.
• Career development pathways, training budgets, and professional support.
• Competitive salary and bonus structure.