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- Tasks: Lead planning applications for major renewable energy projects and manage stakeholder consultations.
- Company: Join Future Biogas, a pioneering developer in the UK's renewable energy sector with a strong ethical focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, professional development opportunities, and visibility at senior levels.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team influencing national planning reform and contributing to sustainability goals.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field with 3+ years in large infrastructure or renewable energy planning.
- Other info: Position based in Guildford; hybrid work with at least 3 days in-office.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
We are delighted to be working exclusively with Future Biogas, one of the UK's most innovative and mission-driven renewable energy developers, to recruit a Planning Lead for their Guildford-based team.
This is a rare opportunity to join a business at the forefront of unsubsidised green gas infrastructure, working on nationally significant projects with a strong ethical foundation and a clear growth trajectory. Future Biogas offers unique exposure at the cutting edge of the UK's renewable energy sector, delivering unsubsidised green gas projects that support sustainable farming, biodiversity, and national net-zero goals.
With high-profile partnerships including a long-term project with AstraZeneca, the company is gaining significant industry and political attention.
Employees benefit from a collaborative, non-hierarchical culture that encourages cross-team engagement, professional development, and visibility at senior levels. This role also offers the chance to contribute to national planning reform and policy influence, making it an exciting time to join a purpose-driven and fast-growing organisation.
The role:
This is a high-impact, delivery-focused role. You'll be managing complex planning applications for large anaerobic digestion sites; navigating the realities of rural development, public consultation, and regulatory engagement.
You'll also play a key role in supporting and developing a passionate team with an existing pipeline for work.
This is a role with clear succession potential, offering the chance to grow as the business continues to scale.
Key responsibilities
- Lead planning applications, variations, appeals, and stakeholder consultations for major infrastructure projects
- Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality, timely submissions
- Build relationships with local authorities, regulators, and communities-often in challenging environments
- Report to the Planning and Development Manager and liaise with other senior stakeholders, including the Business Development Director and CEO.
- Attend site visits, exhibitions, and planning committee meetings
We're looking for:
- Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in planning-related subject
- Minimum 3 years' experience in planning for large infrastructure or renewable energy projects
- Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder planning processes
- Resilience and pragmatism in the face of public scrutiny, bureaucracy, and shifting priorities
- Strong interpersonal skills- able to build trust quickly and communicate clearly at all levels
- Based within a commutable distance of Guildford, able to spend at least 3 days in-office
Planning Lead employer: Murray McIntosh
Contact Detail:
Murray McIntosh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in renewable energy and planning. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the renewable energy field, especially those involved in planning and development. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to valuable insights and recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex planning processes in the past. Highlight your ability to navigate challenges and build relationships with stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Future Biogas thoroughly, including their projects and partnerships. Understanding their mission and values will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning for large infrastructure or renewable energy projects. Emphasise your ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder processes and any specific achievements that demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for renewable energy and your understanding of the role. Mention your experience with public consultations and stakeholder engagement, as these are key aspects of the Planning Lead position.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a planning-related subject. If you have additional certifications or training relevant to the role, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've built trust and communicated effectively with various stakeholders. This is crucial for the role, so make sure to illustrate your strong interpersonal skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Murray McIntosh
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research Future Biogas and their commitment to renewable energy. Familiarise yourself with their projects and values, as this will help you align your answers with their mission-driven approach.
✨Showcase Your Planning Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing complex planning applications, especially in the context of large infrastructure or renewable energy projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to navigate challenges and engage with multiple stakeholders.
✨Highlight Interpersonal Skills
Given the importance of building relationships with local authorities and communities, emphasise your strong interpersonal skills. Share instances where you successfully communicated with diverse groups or resolved conflicts, showcasing your ability to build trust quickly.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your resilience and pragmatism in challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you had to adapt to shifting priorities or public scrutiny, and be ready to explain how you handled those situations effectively.
