Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment & Regulatory Strategy

Lead approvals that unlock investment. Advise executives with confidence. Shape Canada’s most consequential capital projects.

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.

Why This Role Matters

Across Canada, project proponents are under increasing pressure to secure regulatory approvals faster, manage risk more effectively, and deliver outcomes that meet regulatory, Indigenous, environmental, and commercial expectations.

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.

What Your Impact Is

• 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

What You’ll Bring

Required

• 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

Preferred

• 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

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Regulatory Strategy for Major Capital Projects: Define and execute impact assessment and permitting strategies that align regulatory requirements with client business objectives, investment timelines, and risk tolerance.

• Serve as a Trusted Senior Advisor: 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.

• Deliver Complex Regulatory Approvals: 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.

• Lead Multidisciplinary Teams: Direct integrated teams of biophysical, social, and regulatory specialists to deliver high‑quality, regulator‑ready submissions on time and on budget.

• Drive Commercial Outcomes: Support account growth, proposal development, scope definition, and pricing strategies. Partner with ERM leadership to originate and convert new work.

• Build ERM’s Market Position: Strengthen ERM’s profile as a go‑to advisor for complex approvals through thought leadership, client excellence, and internal practice leadership.

• Mentor and Develop Talent: Coach senior consultants and managers, set clear expectations, and reinforce ERM’s standards for technical excellence, commercial discipline, and client service.