Principal Planning Lead - Environmental

Build the capability you are ready to lead
A well-established multidisciplinary consultancy is seeking a Principal Planner / Lead to join its environmental management business in Sydney with a national presence and one of the largest specialist teams in Australia.
This is a senior appointment for an environmental planning and approvals professional who is ready for greater influence, stronger client ownership and a clear pathway into capability leadership.
The opportunity combines complex project delivery, strategic approvals advice, client development, commercial responsibility and technical mentoring across major infrastructure and energy-related projects.
It will suit someone who has built strong technical credibility but is now looking for the platform to shape and ultimately lead a growing NSW planning capability.
The opportunityYou will work across asset classes and lead environmental planning and approvals work across sectors including:NSW Government TransportUtilitiesEnergy & RenewablesMajor infrastructure
The role is broader than technical delivery alone.You will help shape approval strategies, guide multidisciplinary teams, advise senior clients and contribute to the growth of the business.
For the right person, there may be a direct and credible pathway into broader leadership as the capability develops.
What you will doYou will lead, prepare and review planning and approvals work including:Environmental Impact StatementsReviews of Environmental FactorsDevelopment ApplicationsState Significant Development documentationState Significant Infrastructure documentationStrategic planning assessmentsPlanning due diligenceApproval pathway adviceEnvironmental assessment documentation
You will also:Identify planning, regulatory and stakeholder risksDevelop practical and commercially sound approval strategiesCoordinate multidisciplinary technical teamsManage project scope, budget, programme and qualityEngage with clients, agencies and regulatorsContribute to proposals, tenders and client presentationsStrengthen existing client relationshipsIdentify new project and market opportunitiesMentor planners and environmental consultantsSupport the continued development of the NSW capability
What you will bringYou will have substantial experience in environmental planning, client engagement, infrastructure approvals, impact assessment or environmental consulting, ideally within NSW.You will also bring:Strong knowledge of NSW planning and environmental approvalsExperience leading complex planning and assessment projectsConfidence working with senior clients, regulators and agenciesStrong technical writing and review capabilityA commercially pragmatic approach to project deliveryExperience contributing to proposals and work winningAn understanding of project scope, fees, budgets and programmeThe ability to mentor and guide other professionalsThe ambition to help grow and ultimately lead a capability
A relevant qualification in Environmental Planning, Town Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science or a related discipline is expected.
Professional membership with PIA, EIANZ or an equivalent organisation would be advantageous.
Who this will suitYou may currently be operating as:a Principal seeking greater influencea Senior Associate ready for the next stepa Planning and Assessment Managera Technical Leadan ambitious Senior Consultant already performing above title
You will still enjoy being close to technical delivery and clients, but you will also want the opportunity to:Shape a service offeringDevelop peopleBuild client relationshipsInfluence business directionProgress into broader leadership
The opportunity is for someone who wants to build.
Why consider the opportunity?The organisation offers:An established national multidisciplinary platformAccess to major infrastructure and energy projectsAtrong internal environmental and technical capabilityAirect exposure to senior business leadersAutonomy and meaningful project ownershipThe opportunity to influence future team growthA clear pathway into capability leadership
ApplyFor a confidential discussion, contact HRG or submit your CV.
All enquiries will be handled discreetly, and further details about the organisation will be shared during the initial conversation.