Job Description

About Aardvark EM Ltd

Aardvark EM is an independent environmental and energy consultancy with a 25-year track record of delivering practical, commercially grounded solutions across the renewable energy, waste, water, and carbon sectors.

We specialise in helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments -- from early feasibility and consenting strategy through to permitting, compliance, and operational support. Our clients value our honesty, technical depth, and ability to think differently, particularly where projects fall outside standard regulatory "textbook" solutions.

As part of our growth plans, we are rebuilding and expanding our Energy & Environment Division, with Environmental Permitting at its core.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Consultant, specialising in Environmental Permitting, to play a key role in delivering and growing our permitting and compliance services across the UK.

This is a hands-on, client-facing role where you will take ownership of permit applications, variations, and regulatory strategy, while working closely with Directors and technical colleagues across energy, waste, contaminated land, and water pollution disciplines.

You will be trusted to manage your own projects, interact confidently with regulators, and provide clear, pragmatic advice to clients operating in regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Permitting & Consents

Lead the preparation, submission, and management of Environmental Permit applications under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Manage permit variations, surrenders, and compliance-driven updates. Advise clients on responses to regulator requests, compliance actions, CAR reports, and improvement conditions. Develop permitting and consenting strategies aligned with planning, operational, and commercial objectives. Act as a primary interface with regulators including EA, NRW, SEPA, and NIEA.

Operational Compliance & Advisory

Provide practical advice on permit compliance, operational controls, EMS implementation, and best practice. Support audits, site inspections, and ongoing compliance monitoring. In some cases, act in a temporary competent management (TCM) or advisory capacity.

Project & Client Management

Act as first point of contact for clients on assigned projects. Manage project delivery to programme and budget, including oversight of specialist sub-consultants (e.g. air quality, odour, hydrogeology, contaminated land, ecology). Produce high-quality technical reports, client updates, and internal reporting. Identify and manage scope changes and additional fee opportunities professionally and transparently.

Business Development & Growth

Support the development of new permitting and compliance services, including fixed-fee and rapid-permit offerings. Contribute to fee proposals, bids, and capability statements. Identify opportunities arising from regulatory change and emerging policy. Mentor junior staff and contribute to building a resilient, scalable permitting team.

Broader Environmental Work

Opportunity to work across related disciplines including: - Renewable energy and anaerobic digestion- Waste and wastewater management- Nutrient neutrality and phosphate mitigation- Contaminated land and environmental due diligence Consultants are encouraged to develop specialist interests alongside permitting.

About You

Essential

Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geography, or a related discipline. Strong experience in Environmental Permitting gained in consultancy, industry, or a regulatory body. Proven track record of managing permit applications and regulator engagement. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets. Comfortable taking ownership and working with autonomy in a small, expert team.

Desirable

Experience across waste, energy, industrial, water, or biological treatment activities (e.g. AD). Knowledge of industrial permitting, including IED, MCPD, combustion, or complex multi-activity sites. Experience working across the UK devolved regulatory regimes. Experience with EMS, audits, and operational compliance support. Exposure to nutrient neutrality, water pollution control, or contaminated land. Working towards or holding a professional qualification (e.g. CIWEM, ISEP, or equivalent).

Personal Attributes

Pragmatic, solutions-focused, and commercially aware. Confident dealing with regulators and clients. Comfortable working in a growing, evolving business. Collaborative and supportive of colleagues. Curious, adaptable, and keen to develop professionally.

Location & Working Pattern

Based primarily from our Somerset office (near Taunton). UK-wide travel for site visits and client meetings. Flexible or hybrid working considered, with a strong preference for being part of an office-based team.

Why Join Aardvark?

Be part of a core division that is central to Aardvark's DNA. Work on diverse, technically challenging projects with real-world impact. Avoid siloed corporate structures -- your expertise will genuinely shape outcomes. Opportunity to grow with the business as we scale the division. Competitive salary based on experience, plus pension, healthcare, and professional development support.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Free parking On-site parking Private medical insurance Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wiveliscombe TA4 2RL