Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment & Regulatory Strategy

Join ERM as a Principal Consultant, Impact Assessment and Regulatory Strategy and play a pivotal role in shaping some of Canada's most significant mining, infrastructure, and natural resource projects. Ideally based in Whitehorse, Yukon, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence project outcomes at the highest levels, guide clients through complex regulatory environments, and help deliver sustainable development solutions that balance business objectives, regulatory requirements, and community interests.

As a senior leader within ERM's regulatory and permitting practice, you will work alongside industry-leading experts, strengthen client relationships, mentor talented professionals, and contribute to the continued growth of our business across Yukon, Western Canada, and the North.

Why This Role Matters?

Major capital projects shape communities, economies, and the future of resource development. Successfully navigating regulatory and permitting requirements requires more than technical expertise. It demands strategic thinking, trusted leadership, and the ability to unite clients, Indigenous Nations, regulators, and multidisciplinary project teams around a common path forward. In this role, you will help clients advance complex projects with confidence by developing regulatory strategies, securing critical approvals, and providing clear guidance through evolving impact assessment and permitting frameworks.

Your Impact:

• Lead Regulatory Strategy for Major Capital Projects: Define and lead impact assessment and permitting strategies that align regulatory requirements with client business objectives, investment timelines, and risk tolerance.
• Deliver Complex Approvals: Lead the planning and execution of impact assessment applications across territorial, provincial, and federal regimes, primarily in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and British Columbia.
• Lead Multidisciplinary Teams: Direct integrated teams of biophysical, social, and regulatory specialists to deliver regulator-ready submissions on time and within budget.
• Drive Commercial Outcomes: Contribute to account growth, proposal development, scope definition, and pricing strategies.
• Build ERM's Market Position: Strengthen ERM's reputation as a trusted advisor for complex regulatory approvals through thought leadership, client excellence, and practice leadership.
• Mentor and Lead Talent: Coach and develop senior consultants and managers.

What You'll Bring:

• Required Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of experience in impact assessment, regulatory permitting, or senior environmental advisory roles.
• Familiarity with Canadian territorial, provincial, and federal impact assessment and permitting frameworks, including Yukon, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and/or Nunavut.
• Proven ability to advise clients at the executive and project sponsor level.
• Experience managing complex scopes of work, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial judgment, proposal leadership, and client relationship management skills.
• Excellent writing, communication, organizational, time management, and team leadership skills.
• Strong commitment to safety, including following established health and safety protocols.
• Driver’s License Required: This position requires a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to operate a vehicle due to the nature of job duties.

Preferred:

• 8+ years of experience in impact assessment, regulatory permitting, or environmental advisory services.
• Experience supporting projects within Yukon.
• Experience in the mining, infrastructure, or natural resource development sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead impact assessment and permitting strategies for major capital projects.
• Provide senior-level regulatory, environmental assessment, and permitting advice to clients.
• Manage complex project approvals across territorial, provincial, and federal regulatory frameworks.
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams and oversee high-quality deliverables.
• Support proposal development, pricing strategies, and business growth initiatives.
• Strengthen client relationships and act as a trusted strategic advisor.
• Mentor and develop consulting staff while fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Salary and Benefits:

The anticipated annual base pay is $109,900–$147,300 (CAD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career.