Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment & Regulatory Strategy

ERM•Vancouver, BC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment & Regulatory Strategy, based in Vancouver, Calgary or Whitehorse, to play a leading role in advising major organizations on some of Canada’s most complex, high‑value capital projects. This is a senior advisory opportunity for an experienced professional who understands how regulatory outcomes shape investment decisions—and who brings the credibility, judgment, and presence to guide executives through regulatory complexity with confidence. This role exists to help clients move critical capital projects forward with certainty—by setting smart regulatory strategies early, aligning approvals with investment and schedule realities, and delivering disciplined execution without surprises. You will sit at the centre of these conversations, advising senior decision‑makers, engaging regulators, and leading integrated teams on projects that truly matter.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or a related field
6+ years of experience in impact assessment, regulatory permitting, or senior environmental advisory roles within consulting, industry, or government
Deep knowledge of Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial impact assessment and permitting frameworks, including experience in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and/or Nunavut
Demonstrated experience leading complex regulatory approvals and multidisciplinary teams
Proven ability to advise clients at the executive and project sponsor level
Experience managing complex scopes, budgets, and project schedules
Well‑developed experience working with Indigenous Nations and public stakeholders in regulatory contexts
Ability to travel frequently for client business and conferences
Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area

Nice To Haves

12+ years of experience in impact assessment or regulatory advisory roles
Eligible to obtain a professional designation (e.g. RPBio)
Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Indigenous languages, French)
Demonstrated success leading regulatory approvals for major mining projects; experience in energy, renewables, or infrastructure considered an asset
Strong commercial judgment, proposal leadership, and client relationship management experience

Responsibilities

Enable market‑critical approvals that protect project schedules, capital, and reputational risk
Advise executives and project sponsors on regulatory pathways, approval risk, and decision‑making under uncertainty
Lead the delivery of complex impact assessment and permitting submissions that stand up to regulatory scrutiny
Strengthen ERM’s reputation as a trusted advisor for complex regulatory approvals across Canada
Contribute directly to the growth of ERM’s high‑value regulatory and impact assessment practice
Define and execute impact assessment and permitting strategies that align regulatory requirements with client business objectives, investment timelines, and risk tolerance.
Work closely with ERM Partners, Key Account Managers, and senior client leaders to provide clear, defensible advice on regulatory pathways, approval risk, and schedule certainty.
Lead the planning and execution of impact assessment applications across federal, provincial, and territorial regimes—primarily British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and Nunavut—including regulator engagement, information requests, and Indigenous and stakeholder processes.
Direct integrated teams of biophysical, social, and regulatory specialists to deliver high‑quality, regulator‑ready submissions on time and on budget.
Support account growth, proposal development, scope definition, and pricing strategies. Partner with ERM leadership to originate and convert new work.
Strengthen ERM’s profile as a go‑to advisor for complex approvals through thought leadership, client excellence, and internal practice leadership.
Coach senior consultants and managers, set clear expectations, and reinforce ERM’s standards for technical excellence, commercial discipline, and client service.