Equans UK is looking for an Environmental and Planning Manager from an infrastructure and environmental services background to join our DES business based from our Leeds office on a hybrid working arrangement.
Equans is a global leader in the energy and services sector, committed to becoming the undisputed driving force in helping our customers transition to a low-carbon and resilient future.
As we look to the future, the opportunity for growth is immense. With vast potential to explore new markets, develop fresh channels, and expand our reach, this is a unique chance to join a forward-thinking team at the forefront of digital transformation.
Role overview
The Environmental and Planning Manager will be responsible for managing environmental and planning compliance with a focus on Section 37 (S.37) throughout the lifecycle of the project. The role will initially serve on secondment for the Kintore to Hurlie 400kV Overhead Line (OHL) construction project as a Planning Monitoring Officer (PMO), a key part of SSE Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme.
Key activities
- Lead and manage all aspects of Section 37 compliance related to transmission and substation projects..
- Prepare, coordinate, and submit S.37 applications, amendments, and associated documentation, ensuring adherence to Scottish planning legislation.
- Serve as the main liaison with planning authorities, environmental regulators, landowners, and other stakeholders regarding compliance and planning conditions.
- Monitor ongoing compliance throughout construction, identifying and resolving environmental and planning issues as they arise.
- Coordinate environmental management plans, assessments, and mitigation measures specific to overhead line construction.
- Support site teams by interpreting planning and environmental requirements and embedding them into operational plans and construction activities.
- Maintain accurate records of consents, compliance audits, and reporting requirements.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement and communication, including community consultations and information sharing.
- Ensure smooth transition post-secondment to other Infrastructure Services projects requiring environmental and planning expertise.
Skills, qualifications and experience
- Extensive Environmental and Planning Management Experience:
Proven track record managing environmental compliance and planning consents, particularly Section 37 (S.37) applications and related processes within the Scottish infrastructure or energy sectors.
- Knowledge of Regulatory Frameworks:
Strong understanding of Scottish planning legislation, environmental regulations, and statutory requirements associated with overhead line construction and major infrastructure projects.
- Project Delivery Experience:
Experience supporting or leading environmental and planning compliance throughout all project phases — from consent application and stakeholder engagement through construction and monitoring.
- Environmental Risk Management:
Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental risks related to construction activities, ensuring alignment with approved environmental management plans and regulatory commitments.
- Technical and Practical Knowledge:
Familiarity with environmental assessments, mitigation measures, and monitoring protocols relevant to transmission line projects, including ecology, archaeology, cultural heritage, and landscape considerations.
- Strong Organisational and Reporting Skills:
Capacity to maintain detailed records of consents, compliance checks, and environmental monitoring; adept at preparing clear, timely reports for internal and external stakeholders.
What can we offer you
- 25 days annual leave
- 5% bonus
- Private health
- Share scheme
- Car allowance
- Life Cover equivalent to 2 times annual salary
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
- Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes
- Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
- Access to our growing employee networks including WiE (Women in EQUANS), RISE (BAME), LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Persons Network) and our Disability Network
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Who are we?
EQUANS is a world leader in energy services with nearly 100,000 employees working in more than 50 countries, with an annual turnover of over 17 billion euros.
In the UK & Ireland, EQUANS is a provider of technical, FM, regeneration and energy services – with specialist capabilities in smart buildings, green mobility, district & embedded energy and decentralised renewables.
EQUANS’ 13,500 UK & Ireland employees combine these activities to help businesses, public sector organisations and government to embrace the energy transition towards net zero, and also the digital & industrial transitions that are redesigning the way we move, work and live.
EQUANS is a Bouygues group company.
What’s next?
If this role is of interest to you, please click below to register, apply, and track your progress! A member of our Resourcing Team will review your application and be in touch.
As part of a positive action drive to address under-representation in senior management positions we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.
In support of our positive action measures, we will consider applications that do not meet all the technical requirements if candidates can demonstrate how transferable skills will enable them to successfully deliver the remit of the role in an environment which promotes a flexible working culture.
At Equans we're committed to delivering a culture where everyone's voice is heard and supported. We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you'll find a welcoming and open workplace where you're supported and encouraged to be your true self at work. You'll also have access to our growing employee networks including AccessAbility (representing those with physical and mental disabilities), Encompass (representing the LGBTQ+ community), RISE (representing people from ethnic backgrounds), Veterans & Reservists, WOMEN TOGETHER (representing women in Equans), Working Parents, and Young Professionals.
