Head of Environmental Permits

Job Description

We’re seeking a dynamic and innovative Head of Environmental Permits with experience in sectors such as Renewable, Infrastructures, Energy, and Industrial. As part of our EHS and Sustainability Team, you will lead large, complex permitting projects, manage a team of environmental permitting professionals, and align permitting activities with the organization’s environmental strategy and sustainability goals.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Implement the environmental permitting strategy to ensure compliance with local, national, and international environmental regulations.
• Align permitting goals with the organization’s business objectives, sustainability commitments, and risk management strategies.
• Monitor changes in environmental laws and policies and adapt strategies accordingly.

Team & Department Management

• Manage the environmental permitting team(s), ensuring they are appropriately trained, resourced, and effective.
• Foster leadership development, team collaboration, and performance excellence.
• Oversee all permitting processes and act as the decision-maker on key permits and high-risk compliance decisions.
• Provide technical expertise and oversight for major or complex permitting processes.
• Act as the primary liaison with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other external stakeholders to build positive relationships and foster collaborative problem‑solving.
• Manage negotiations for permits, exemptions, and compliance agreements.
• Identify environmental risks associated with projects or operational changes and create strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Develop contingency plans to address potential environmental permitting issues.
• Develop environmental studies (e.g., EIA, ESHIA, VincA study, Landscape Assessment).
• Interpret legislative changes and support the development of client environmental permits.

Business Development

• Opportunity research and development: Identify new markets, sales channels, services in line with company objectives.
• Lead generation: Contact and qualify potential clients, identifying decision-makers within their organizations.
• Proposal creation: Work with internal teams to develop customized proposals that meet client needs.
• Market analysis: Evaluate business models, analyze the target market and the company's positioning.
• Strategic planning: Develop long‑term development and growth plans for the company.
• Networking: Build and maintain a network of strategic contacts online and offline with clients, partners, and industry stakeholders to expand market presence.

Qualifications

10+ years of experience in environmental permitting, compliance, and environmental risk management.

Proven experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams and overseeing major permitting projects.

Experience in corporate environmental management, government, or consultancy.

Demonstrating strong analytical skills, excellent writing, and presentation skills.

Fluency in Italian and English.

Additional Information

What we offer:

AECOM: A World of Opportunities and Benefits

• Attractive Compensation Package: Competitive salary along with a range of exclusive benefits, including hybrid work, meal vouchers, welfare program, resources for personal well‑being and mental health, gym memberships, health insurance, laptop, smartphone, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, and a pension savings plan.
• Office in the Heart of Milan: Central location, with easy access to all the city's conveniences.
• Work Flexibility: Flexible work options to help maintain an optimal work‑life balance.
• Public Transport Allowances: Coverage of daily commute costs.
• Culture of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Welcoming Workplaces: Respectful work environment; AECOM Italy holds gender equality certification.
• Professional Growth and Development: Training and development programs to help achieve career goals.

This offer is open to all genders in compliance with legislative decree 198/2006, and to people of all ages and nationalities according to legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.