Cumulative Effects EIA Lead for the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO)

The South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) is a landmark 150 million cubic metre reservoir near Abingdon. This project not only aims to secure vital water resources but also aspires to enhance biodiversity through new habitat creation and deliver new leisure and recreational amenities. Learn more about SESRO here: https://thames-wrmp.co.uk/projects/sesro/.

Binnies is proud to be working in joint venture with Arup as the delivery partner for SESRO, supporting Thames Water in securing a Development Consent Order (DCO) for this nationally significant infrastructure project. Together, we are responsible for all design, consenting, and environmental services for the integrated scheme.

We are currently completing the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) and are now seeking experienced environmental technical leaders to support the next phase: delivery of the Environmental Statement and submission of the DCO.

While SESRO will be your primary focus, you’ll also become a valued member of our national ecology and environmental team, with opportunities to contribute to the EIA of other major infrastructure projects now and in the future. There will also be opportunities to line manage and mentor.

Binnies is a registered Ecological (CIEEM) and Landscape Practice (Landscape Institute), holds the IEMA (now ISEP) EIA Quality Mark, and is a proud sponsor of AECOW — reflecting our commitment to excellence across the environmental sector.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced cumulative effects assessor to manage the complex cumulative effects assessment for the SESRO project. The role will require management of cumulative and impact assessment information and timely distillation of this data and tasks required for the wider EIA team.

The successful candidate will:

• Coordinate the management of the list of other developments with the planning team
• Implement the methodology agreed through the EIA Scoping and PEIR for the cumulative effects assessment, including:
  • Coordinate the short-listing process with the EIA specialist team
  • Defining a process and templates for assessing cumulative effects with other developments (ideally using the digital EIA assessment system)
  • Coordinate/specify any liaison required with third party developers to inform the cumulative effects assessment
  • Agree mitigation requirements with the EIA team
• Implement the methodology agreed through the EIA Scoping and PEIR for the interactions effects assessment, including:
  • Gaining a solid understanding of the receptors assessed by each of the topics
  • Facilitating communication between the EIA teams who assess the same/similar receptors
  • Ideally utilising the SESRO digital EIA assessment system to automate/semi-automate this process
• Perform the lead author role (mentoring juniors) in preparation of the EIA Cumulative Effects chapter
• Manage communications on the cumulative effects assessment system with the EIA team

Essential Requirements

Candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

• A degree in an environmental-related discipline
• Chartered status (or close to obtaining) with a relevant professional institute
• Strong understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Development Consent Order (DCO) processes
• Strong understanding of the cumulative effects assessment process (both with other developments and within project interactions)
• Good data management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal abilities
• Good programme management skills
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Requirements

Proximity to London (JV and client hub) is an advantage but not essential. Prior experience in environmental consultancy would also be beneficial.

We would welcome applicants of Principal Level and above and we can flex salary based on grade and experience. To ensure full integration ahead of the 2026 survey season, candidates must be available to start by the end of 2025 at latest. Hybrid/flexible working is also available.

Why join us

Would you like to work in a business where you feel empowered to grow? Where there is no place for criticism or discrimination? A place where people are mindful and respectful? If so, then Binnies is the place for you.

We have a strong ‘ENGAGED’ culture that runs through everything we do. Evolved over 100 years, we have a culture of caring, where our employee’s wellbeing and work-life balance are priorities, in fact we have industry leading flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive working environment, where a diverse workforce is supported to grow and develop.
The successful applicant will go from being great alone to truly amazing with Binnies.