Senior Consents Consultant (Town Planning)

Deliver and lead stakeholder engagement programmes, including liaison with local authorities, statutory consultees, and the public.

Lead or support planning and consenting strategies for major terrestrial and marine infrastructure projects.

Provide expert advice on the Scottish planning system, policy, and consenting frameworks.

Support or lead environmental permit and marine licence applications under relevant Scottish legislation.

Leadership and mentoring — supporting colleagues through delegation, coaching, and knowledge sharing.

Ensure planning and consenting activities align with wider project and portfolio objectives.

Prepare and submit planning and environmental documentation, such as Planning Statements and Environmental Reports.

Coordinate with planning authorities, SEPA, Marine Scotland, and other statutory bodies to secure consents and permits.

Manage and coordinate the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, including screening, scoping, and stakeholder engagement.

You will play a key role in providing expert advice and delivering complex, multi-disciplinary projects — particularly in the energy, marine, transport, and utilities sectors. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strong communication, leadership, and project management skills.

Contribute to business development, client engagement, and mentoring junior colleagues.

Navigating the intricate landscape of planning permissions, environmental assessments, regulatory approvals, and stakeholder consultation is vital to delivering projects on time and within compliance. Assystem’s dedicated Consents Management experts bring clarity and control to this process — ensuring that all required permissions are identified, secured, and maintained seamlessly from concept through to operation.

• Deliver and lead stakeholder engagement programmes, including liaison with local authorities, statutory consultees, and the public.
• Lead or support planning and consenting strategies for major terrestrial and marine infrastructure projects.
• Provide expert advice on the Scottish planning system, policy, and consenting frameworks.
• Support or lead environmental permit and marine licence applications under relevant Scottish legislation.
• Leadership and mentoring — supporting colleagues through delegation, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure planning and consenting activities align with wider project and portfolio objectives.
• Contribute to business development, client engagement, and mentoring junior colleagues.
• Prepare and submit planning and environmental documentation, such as Planning Statements and Environmental Reports.
• Coordinate with planning authorities, SEPA, Marine Scotland, and other statutory bodies to secure consents and permits.
• Manage and coordinate the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, including screening, scoping, and stakeholder engagement.

Integrity and openness — fostering a culture of trust and effective communication.

Chartered Member of the RTPI (or working towards chartership).

Behavioural Qualities

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner with deep knowledge of the Scottish planning system and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations. Familiarity with SEPA environmental permitting and marine licensing processes is also essential.

Demonstrated commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery frameworks.

Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related discipline (RTPI-accredited).

Adaptability and resilience — thriving in dynamic, multidisciplinary project environments.

Innovative thinking — the ability to challenge standard approaches to improve outcomes and manage risk.

Hands-on experience with SEPA environmental permitting and Marine Licensing processes.

Excellent project management, communication, and report-writing skills.

Due to the nature of the projects and the environments in which we operate, this role is open only to sole UK nationals. The successful candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain security clearance (SC level or higher). Applicants will be required to undergo appropriate background checks in line with government and client requirements.

Decisiveness — sound judgement in business and project decisions, knowing when to escalate or seek input.

Proven experience delivering major infrastructure projects within consultancy, regulatory, or client-side roles.

Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively.

Strong working knowledge of EIA regulations in Scotland and the UK.

• Integrity and openness — fostering a culture of trust and effective communication.
• Chartered Member of the RTPI (or working towards chartership).
• Demonstrated commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery frameworks.
• Adaptability and resilience — thriving in dynamic, multidisciplinary project environments.
• Innovative thinking — the ability to challenge standard approaches to improve outcomes and manage risk.
• Hands-on experience with SEPA environmental permitting and Marine Licensing processes.
• Excellent project management, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Decisiveness — sound judgement in business and project decisions, knowing when to escalate or seek input.
• Proven experience delivering major infrastructure projects within consultancy, regulatory, or client-side roles.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Strong working knowledge of EIA regulations in Scotland and the UK.