Principal - Environmental Approvals

Joining Arup
Arup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Join our friendly, vibrant Environment team at Arup, where we're passionate about delivering technically excellent environmental assessments that make a real difference to communities. We have a strong track record in Victoria and are one of the few consultants consistently trusted to deliver Environment Effects Statements (EES') and major regulatory approvals across the state.

As Principal - Environmental Approvals, you'll lead the delivery of large, complex impact assessments for key infrastructure projects such as the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project and the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal. You'll manage multidisciplinary teams and guide projects within tight timelines, budgets and regulatory frameworks, while also supporting similar work across other Australian jurisdictions.

This role is ideal for a technical leader ready to step into a high impact, client facing position. You'll also collaborate with senior leaders to help shape a strong pipeline of work across renewable energy, transport and water through business development, client engagement and strategic leadership.

The Opportunity

• Leading the development, design and delivery of complex environmental approval projects such as EES' in Victoria.
• Leading project interface and being the key point of contact with clients and regulators.
• Providing technical direction, leadership and growth opportunities to junior members of the team.
• Preparing, leading and providing input into project bidding and business development activities.
• Fostering and developing key client relationships and representing Arup within the marketplace.
• Project and bid management, including managing bid teams and negotiating contracts.

Is this role right for you?

• Recognised tertiary qualifications in environmental science, engineering, planning or law.
• 10+ years relevant industry experience in environmental approvals within a consulting, private industry, or a government environment.
• Experience in environmental impact assessment including EES' and/or other statutory approval processes in major transport, water infrastructure and/or renewable energy projects within Victoria.
• Advanced level of technical knowledge in statutory requirements for Victorian and Commonwealth approvals including the ability to apply that knowledge to deliver solutions for clients.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multiple streams of work and communicate effectively to internal leadership, clients and regulators.
• Business development experience in a consulting environment would be looked upon favourably.

At Arup, we care about each member's success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup's legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Explore The Perks Of a Career With Arup Australia

• Hybrid working policy and flexible working hours.
• Paid parental leave for the primary carer of 16 weeks or 32 weeks at half pay and as well as generous unpaid leave benefits.
• Paid parental leave for the support carer of 4 weeks plus the opportunity to access extra paid and unpaid leave if you later become the primary carer.
• Birthday leave
• Annual leave loading
• Ability to purchase additional leave of up to 20 days for permanent employees.
• International mobility opportunities
• Insurances (life & income protection)
• Interest free solar energy and bicycle loans
• Novated car lease
• Ovasaver including discounts, vouchers, cashback, and exclusive offers on more than 300 retailers.

Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process
Please apply directly through our applicant tracking system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Talent Acquisition to discuss next steps. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies.