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- Tasks: Lead planning for innovative renewable energy projects and shape strategic development.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on sustainable infrastructure and energy solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while leading exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town and Country Planning and 5-10+ years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainable development and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: UK (Hybrid)
Sector: Infrastructure / Energy / Industrial Development
Reports to: Projects Director
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Head of Planning to lead the planning function across a portfolio of complex development projects. This senior role will have responsibility for shaping planning strategy, managing applications from feasibility through consent, and providing expert internal advice to support long-term development objectives. The successful candidate will act as the organisation’s in-house planning authority, reducing reliance on third-party consultants while ensuring high-quality, compliant, and commercially sound planning outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end planning process for new development projects, including new sites, associated infrastructure, operational expansions, and variations.
- Manage planning strategies, application submissions, and approvals across multiple concurrent projects.
- Ensure planning risks, dependencies, and timelines are actively managed and mitigated.
- Build strong, effective relationships with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, and other key stakeholders.
- Represent the organisation at planning committees, public consultations, and strategic meetings.
- Lead negotiations on planning conditions, obligations, and design amendments.
- Monitor and interpret national, regional, and local planning policy, advising senior leadership on implications for development strategy and site acquisition.
- Provide early-stage planning input to influence site selection, master planning, environmental assessments, and design development.
- Advise on planning opportunities and constraints to support future pipeline growth.
- Provide technical leadership to internal teams and manage external planning consultants and specialists.
- Oversee consultant selection, scope, performance, and budgets.
- Ensure consistently high standards of planning documentation, evidence, and reporting.
- Act as the primary internal decision-maker on planning strategy within agreed authority levels.
- Manage planning-related budgets and consultancy spend.
- Escalate material risks or deviations affecting cost, scope, or programme to senior leadership.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Degree-qualified in Town and Country Planning or a related discipline.
- Chartered Member of the RTPI (or equivalent).
- 5–10+ years’ experience delivering planning outcomes for commercial, industrial, or infrastructure developments.
- Strong working knowledge of planning legislation, environmental regulation, and development economics.
- Proven experience managing complex planning applications and negotiations with planning authorities.
- Confident providing robust, independent technical advice in-house.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
If you are interested in hearing more please reach out at h.lowther@brightsmithgroup.com or apply below.
Head of Planning - Renewable Energy in City of London employer: Brightsmith
Contact Detail:
Brightsmith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning - Renewable Energy in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know in the renewable energy sector, the better your chances of landing that Head of Planning role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past planning successes and how you've navigated complex applications. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action, so be ready with examples that highlight your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Understand their projects, values, and challenges. This will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their planning strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning - Renewable Energy in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Planning role. Highlight your experience in managing complex planning applications and your knowledge of planning legislation. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your planning leadership and how you've successfully navigated similar projects in the past.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In this role, building relationships is key. Make sure to mention any experience you have working with local planning authorities or other stakeholders. We love seeing how you can influence and negotiate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brightsmith
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on the latest planning legislation and environmental regulations relevant to the renewable energy sector. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re also up-to-date with current trends and changes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led planning processes in previous roles. Highlight your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and how you’ve built relationships with local authorities. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the planning function effectively.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Think about complex planning applications you've managed and be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will showcase your expertise and decision-making abilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you’ve engaged with various stakeholders in past projects. Share specific instances where your communication and influencing skills made a difference. This will highlight your ability to represent the organisation effectively at planning committees and public consultations.
