Director of Environmental Impact Assessment for Solar and Battery Projects

AECOM is seeking a Technical Director of Environmental Impact Assessment for solar and battery projects, based in Leeds, UK. The role involves leading EIAs and coordinating environmental workstreams for renewables. AECOM offers flexible office locations and welcomes applications for part-time or full-time positions. Candidates with experience in leading EIAs and Development Consent Order applications are preferred, but those interested in transitioning are also encouraged to apply.
Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're committed to delivering a better world. By enhancing your daily commute, ensuring reliable energy, providing access to clean water, and transforming urban landscapes, our work helps communities thrive. As a trusted infrastructure consulting firm, we collaborate with clients to tackle significant challenges and establish legacies for generations to come.

With the surge in global infrastructure investment, there has never been a more exciting time to join AECOM. We invite you to bring your innovative ideas and aspirations to our global team of over 50,000 professionals - including planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program managers, and construction experts - all dedicated to delivering impactful projects worldwide.

We are united by our mission to create a better world. Join us!

Job Description

Start here. Grow here.

We are seeking a seasoned Technical Director of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to enhance our Environment & Sustainability team and lead our expanding portfolio of renewables and net zero projects, with a primary focus on the solar sector. AECOM’s operations provide flexibility in office locations, which include Basingstoke, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Croydon, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London Aldgate, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, St Albans, and Warrington. If these locations are not suitable, we encourage you to reach out, as we are open to exploring alternative arrangements. We welcome applications for both part-time and full-time positions.

AECOM is engaged in various solar farm and battery applications, from small 1MW schemes to some of Europe's largest solar farms, including 14 UK projects classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) such as Sunnica Energy Farm and Longfield Solar Farm. We are well-positioned to secure more exciting solar projects both in the UK and internationally, and we are eager for you to join our growing team.

As a Technical Director, you will lead environmental inputs for large-scale development projects that are revolutionizing our infrastructure. We are particularly looking for candidates who have experience in:
• Leading EIAs and coordinating the environmental workstreams for solar and battery storage projects;
• Delivering under the Planning Infrastructure 2008 regime and leading EIAs for Development Consent Order applications.

If you lack this specific experience but are interested in transitioning to this sector with your transferable skills, we would love to support your move into this area. Your expertise in EIA and the DCO regime will be particularly valuable in our successful delivery of large-scale NSIPs.

As a Technical Director, you will oversee the preparation of EIAs for renewables and solar projects, leading environmental inputs through all project life stages—from early strategy development and site identification studies through feasibility, optioneering, outline design, detailed design, and into the construction and operational phases. Your role will also involve directing the day-to-day EIA project managers and supervising several EIA teams, coordinating resources and training across the solar and battery EIA sector. This is a unique opportunity to impact a diverse portfolio of development projects across multiple consenting regimes while fostering client relationships and pursuing new commissions.

You will collaborate daily with technical experts within our established Environmental Impact team. As a founding member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) EIA Quality Mark, our work aligns with our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
• Lead: multidisciplinary environmental inputs for various projects, facilitating development consent.
• Direct: the creation of EIA screening and scoping reports, environmental assessments/Environmental Statements, and supporting documents while overseeing project budgets.
• Collaborate: as part of integrated design teams to identify environmental constraints, mitigate impacts, and derive solutions while delivering benefits.
• Mentor: support staff development and provide mentorship.
• Drive business opportunities and technical proposal development.
• Champion: promote AECOM's environmental services to various stakeholders.

As part of the AECOM team, you will enjoy various core and personalized benefits tailored to your well-being and future. You can take advantage of career development opportunities, technical practice networks, and volunteering days.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what's possible?

To succeed in this role, you should demonstrate your capability in directing and managing multidisciplinary environmental inputs for infrastructure projects. Ideally, you will possess:
• Experience leading consultancy services
• A strong understanding of EIA processes and environmental assessment methods
• A detailed knowledge of relevant consenting and licensing regimes
• Confidence interacting with diverse stakeholder groups and clients
• A collaborative approach within established teams and specialist technical teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Project management experience in programming, staff resource allocation, and budget oversight
• A degree in a relevant environmental discipline (preferably a Master's degree) and an appropriate professional membership

The following would be a bonus:
• Experience with DCO consenting regimes
• Knowledge of solar and other renewable projects

Additional Information

AECOM celebrates diversity, including neurodiversity, and recognizes that it enhances our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application process due to a disability, please inform us.

At AECOM, we value every individual's unique contributions and perspectives.

If you meet some requirements or possess transferable skills we could benefit from, we would be excited to hear from you!

About AECOM

AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, providing professional services throughout the project lifecycle—from advisory and planning to design and engineering, program, and construction management. Our clients trust us to tackle their most complex challenges across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. Our teams share a common purpose: to deliver a better world through technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social, and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm, with a Professional Services revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. Learn more on our website.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

Experience the flexibility to perform at your best with hybrid work options. Whether you work from an AECOM office, a remote location, or at a client site, you will thrive in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and pioneering mindset are valued.

We aim to maintain a safe and respectful workplace, where all team members can contribute their unique talents, backgrounds, and expertise to achieve transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM offers diverse compensation, benefits, and well-being programs to meet employee and family needs. As a trusted global infrastructure firm, we believe in our shared growth and success.

Join us, and gain access to industry-leading technology and transformative work that makes a significant impact, along with the flexibility of work-life balance. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in realizing each individual’s potential and supporting your professional journey.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will provide interview opportunities for applicants with disabilities or long-term conditions who meet role criteria. Please inform us if you wish to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

Your information will be treated confidentially in accordance with EEO guidelines.