Project Director - Environmental Services

Chart your own course and change the world — with the support of people whose interests are aligned with yours. At Burns & McDonnell, opportunity is waiting. We’re looking for people with big ideas and an entrepreneurial mindset. It’s those kinds of people who’ve helped us grow from a small consulting business back in 1898 to a global leader in engineering, architecture and construction solutions.

Today, we’re a thriving company with more than 10,000 professionals working in 75 offices worldwide and recognised as a Global Leader within Environmental Services.

The Project Director will lead front-end planning, permitting, environmental and sustainability project for hyperscale and colocation data centre developments across the UK and Europe. This role is pivotal in shaping project outcomes from site due diligence through to planning approvals, ensuring environmental compliance, stakeholder alignment, and long-term operational sustainability.

• Lead multidisciplinary teams through site due diligence, master planning, and strategic permitting pathways.

• Deliver technical due diligence and risk assessments aligned with client investment strategies and planning frameworks.

• Develop and manage planning applications, environmental consents, and permitting strategies across jurisdictions including UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, France and the Nordics.

• Liaise with local authorities and regulatory bodies to secure approvals and resolve conditions.

• Oversee environmental impact assessments, Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs), flood risk and hydrological studies, air quality, acoustics, and ecological assessments.

• Integrate sustainability frameworks such as BREEAM into project delivery and client offerings.

• Act as a key interface with clients including hyperscalers, developers, and consultants.

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and manage public consultation processes where required.

• Mentor junior staff and contribute to the growth of the ENS practice across market segments.

• Support business development efforts and proposal writing for new data centre opportunities.

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Planning, Sustainability, Engineering, Business or related degree from an accredited program. and 10 years of relevant experience. Required

• Proven track record in leading planning and environmental strategy for large-scale infrastructure or data centre projects.

• Strong understanding of UK and European planning systems, permitting regimes, and environmental legislation.

• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating across design, engineering, and sustainability disciplines.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Familiarity with RIBA design stages and construction processes.

• Willingness to travel across UK and Europe.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

Environmental Planning

GB-Birmingham, UK-Birmingham

Full-time

Yes, 15 % of the Time