Senior Consents Consultant (Town Planning)

  • Full-time
  • ASSYSTEM Job: Engineering / Technical
  • Type of contract ASSYSTEM: Permanent
  • ASSYSTEM Sector: Defence

Company Description

Assystem is a global engineering and digital services leader, delivering expertise across some of the world’s most complex and highly regulated industries. We play a pivotal role in enabling the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure — supporting clients in achieving their ambitions for a safer, low-carbon future.

Within the infrastructure sector, Assystem provides specialist Infrastructure Consents Management services that help ensure the smooth delivery of large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects. Our teams operate at the intersection of planning, environmental regulation, and stakeholder engagement, providing strategic oversight and technical excellence across every stage of the project lifecycle.

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.

Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Town Planner to join our Glasgow team, contributing to a diverse range of major infrastructure and development projects across Scotland and the UK.

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.

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

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

  • 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.

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

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

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

Qualifications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

  • Demonstrated commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery frameworks.

Behavioural Qualities

We value professionals who are collaborative, proactive, and solution-focused. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Information

Security and Nationality Requirements

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.

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.

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