Principal Consultant - Stakeholder Engagement (Mid-Senior Level)

Role Purpose

ERM is seeking an experienced Principal Consultant to join our Stakeholder Engagement team within Capital Project Delivery. The successful candidate will lead the design and delivery of stakeholder engagement programmes for major infrastructure, energy, renewables, transport and development projects.

The role will support clients in securing social acceptance for projects, building constructive relationships with stakeholders, managing project risks, and delivering robust engagement strategies that contribute to successful planning, consenting and project delivery outcomes. Stakeholder engagement is a growing service area within CPD and plays an increasingly important role in helping clients develop projects responsibly and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Client Delivery

• Lead stakeholder engagement workstreams on major capital projects.

• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement and consultation strategies.

• Design and facilitate engagement activities including workshops, public exhibitions, focus groups, stakeholder interviews and community events.

• Advise clients on stakeholder risks, issues and opportunities.

• Prepare stakeholder engagement plans, consultation reports and supporting planning documentation.

• Translate complex technical information into clear and accessible communications for non-technical audiences.

• Support delivery of Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and related consent applications.

• Manage stakeholder databases, consultation records and reporting requirements.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to ERM quality standards.

Project Management

• Act as Project Manager or Task Manager on engagement projects.

• Manage scope, programme, resource requirements and commercial performance.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across CPD and wider ERM service lines.

• Manage subcontractors and specialist suppliers where required.

• Ensure effective risk management and project governance.

Business Development

• Build trusted relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

• Identify opportunities for cross-selling and expanding service offerings.

• Lead and contribute to bids, proposals and client presentations.

• Support growth of stakeholder engagement, social value and social sustainability services.

• Contribute to thought leadership and market positioning initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Mentor and coach consultants and senior consultants.

• Share good practice, tools and methodologies across the team.

• Support recruitment, onboarding and capability development.

• Promote collaboration across technical disciplines and geographies.

Skills and Experience

• Significant experience delivering stakeholder engagement programmes for infrastructure, energy, utilities, transportation, development or environmental projects.

• Strong understanding of planning, consenting and EIA processes.

• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships, including local communities, statutory consultees, government bodies and industry organisations.

• Proven project management capability, including budget and programme management.

• Excellent facilitation, communication and presentation skills.

• Strong report writing and analytical abilities.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.

• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities within a consultancy environment.

Desirable

• Experience delivering Social Impact Assessment (SIA).

• Experience in social value strategy and delivery.

• Understanding of DCO, TCPA, NSIP or major infrastructure consenting processes.

• Experience in renewable energy, transmission, transport or water sectors.

• IAP2, consultation, engagement or participation accreditation.

• Existing client relationships within the UK infrastructure and energy sectors.

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ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report..