Principal Consultant - Marine Consents

Join a global professional services leader, committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges across energy, transport, utilities and urbanisation. 

GHD is one of the world’s leading professional services companies operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation.  

Privately owned by our people, GHD provides engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services to private and public sector clients across five continents. Focused on creating lasting community benefit, our connected global network of over 12,000 people delivers projects with high standards of safety, quality and ethics. 

The Role 

Are you ready to lead the way in shaping sustainable offshore development? GHD Advisory is looking for a dynamic and experienced Principal Consultant, Marine Consents to manage and grow our UK-based consultancy services, while playing a global role in delivering offshore wind and marine infrastructure projects across the globe.  

In this high-impact role, you’ll direct and deliver complex environmental approvals for major offshore infrastructure projects—including in the rapidly evolving offshore wind sector. You’ll provide strategic advice, lead a growing team, and collaborate with colleagues and clients across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.  

This is your opportunity to work at the cutting edge of marine environmental consulting and to elevate GHD’s presence as a growing brand and trusted advisor in the offshore industry. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the 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 Skills & Experience Required 

• A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Environmental Sciences, Marine Science, or a related discipline. 

• 10+ years of experience in marine environmental consulting, including strong expertise in offshore wind and other marine sectors. 

• Demonstrated success delivering environmental impact assessments and permitting projects, ideally including UK DCO applications or equivalent. 

• Deep understanding of UK environmental regulations, with international experience in marine consenting considered a strong advantage. 

• Familiarity with environmental and social risk frameworks, including IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles. 

• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, bringing strong people management and mentorship skills. 

• Strong business acumen with a track record of successful project delivery, client growth, and proposal development. 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills—able to influence, negotiate, and build consensus across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder groups. 

• Skilled in technical writing, data analysis, and regulatory engagement, with an ability to distill complex issues into actionable strategies. 

• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and creating lasting environmental value through infrastructure development. 

Why Join GHD?