We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Principal Marine Environmental Consultant

Do you want to work for a company enabling sustainable development in the marine environment?

Are you an experienced project manager with an understanding of marine consents?

Are you ready to extend your knowledge and experience to delivering projects at the coast and offshore?

We are looking for a Principal Consultant to join our team of environment specialists, who will be responsible for managing and advising a wide range of large-scale marine and coastal projects, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 27th February 2026

Location: Southampton/hybrid working (some travel required)

About us

ABPmer is a consultancy and survey company with a 75-year history helping clients sustainably develop, manage, protect and operate in the marine environment.

We deliver for clients across all marine and coastal sectors, including conservation bodies, fisheries, coastal developers, dredging companies, ports and marina facilities, renewable energy providers and utility companies, as well as government and its agencies.

We provide a wide range of services to help clients achieve their objectives. Our specialists advise on consents and licensing, infrastructure design, habitat creation and restoration, maritime risk, and marine planning and policy, supported by quality in-house data and information, including on-site physical and ecological data collected by our experienced survey team.

Our success is thanks to the knowledge, experience and skills of our people, working in an environment focussed on collaboration, continuous learning and career progression.

Discover more about us.

About you

You are knowledgeable about the UK marine planning and consents regime and have demonstrable project management experience, preferably within a consultancy environment.

You are highly organised, collaborative and self-motivated, with excellent report writing and engaging presentation skills. You have a strong commitment to sustainable development in the marine environment.

You have a degree or postgraduate degree in a marine environmental discipline, and at least five years’ relevant experience in a consultancy or regulatory background.

Depending on your background, you will have skills and experience in:

Project management and delivery
Staff mentoring and development
Environmental Assessments including Environmental Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Water Framework Directive assessments, Marine Conservation Zone assessments and Marine Plan Conformance assessments
Coordinating and managing projects through the marine licensing and consenting process
Preparation and coordination of the proposal/tendering process
Business development

Why join ABPmer?

Our people: We are a friendly, welcoming team focussed on collaborative working. Our culture means you are encouraged to chart your own course to excellence

Our projects: We deliver a diverse portfolio of work, allowing you to apply your expertise to an array of interesting projects and locations

Our flexibility: We understand the importance of good work-life balance, offering flexible arrangements as standard, including hybrid working

Your career development: We operate a programme of continuous professional development supported by tailored, formal and on-the-job training and mentoring

Your benefits: Working for us means you benefit from a contribution-matched pension plan, private medical and dental insurance as well as paid professional subscription, and a range of discount schemes

Our team is growing: We continue to grow to meet the high demand for our bespoke services. Join us as we continue our exciting journey

Application

Please note that the closing date for this role is 27th February 2026, however we may close the vacancy early if we receive a large number of applications, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.
Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Associated British Ports

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Principal Marine Environmental Consultant