Principal Consultant – Marine Consents

Overview

In this role you lead marine environmental approvals for offshore developments, guiding complex assessments and permitting strategies. You will shape advisory services, manage a growing team, and work across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas to advance offshore wind and marine infrastructure. You’ll collaborate with engineers and regulators to deliver high-quality reports and secure approvals, while elevating GHD’s presence as a trusted advisor. This is a chance to influence sustainable offshore development on a global scale.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days paid leave
• matched pension contributions
• family-friendly flexible working
• access to GHD Business School
• career development and formal education
• inclusive and flexible work culture

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of marine EIAs, consents, and permitting strategies for offshore developments in UK and European waters
• Serve as a Technical Advisor on complex, high-profile environmental projects across international markets
• Collaborate with global GHD teams to offer advisory services and share best practice on marine approvals and compliance
• Mentor and grow a high-performing team, providing technical guidance, leadership, and career development opportunities
• Guide and coordinate strategic bids and proposals, identifying and pursuing opportunities aligned with business growth goals
• Foster long-term client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and delivering consistent value through insight and delivery excellence
• Represent GHD at industry events, stakeholder engagements, and internal forums, actively contributing to market visibility and thought leadership
• Integrate environmental considerations into project design by working closely with engineers, planners, and regulators
• Oversee the production of high-quality, clear, and impactful reports and communications tailored to clients, regulators, and stakeholders
• Stay informed on emerging trends and regulatory developments, contributing to continuous improvement and innovation in our services

Key requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Environmental Sciences, Marine Science, or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in marine environmental consulting with offshore wind and marine sectors expertise
• Proven success delivering environmental impact assessments and permitting projects, ideally UK DCO applications or equivalent
• Deep understanding of UK environmental regulations; international marine consenting experience is a plus
• Familiarity with environmental and social risk frameworks (IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles)
• Proven team leadership and mentorship capabilities
• Strong business acumen with track record in project delivery, client growth, and proposal development
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to influence and negotiate across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders
• Skilled in technical writing, data analysis, and regulatory engagement; ability to distill complex issues into actionable strategies
• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and creating environmental value through infrastructure development

• interpersonal skills
• influence
• negotiation
• marine environmental consulting
• environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
• permitting strategies

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