Senior Planner / Associate – Energy & Infrastructure in Manchester

Location: Manchester or Leeds (hybrid working available)

The opportunity

Climate17 is working with a leading UK property and planning consultancy to appoint a Senior Planner or Associate into a well-established and highly regarded regional planning team. This team is one of the largest in the North of England and is actively delivering a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects across renewable energy and infrastructure, alongside broader development work. This role offers the opportunity to work on nationally significant renewable and infrastructure projects, while also contributing to regeneration, strategic land, logistics, rural and mixed-use schemes. It is well suited to an experienced planner seeking increased responsibility, project ownership and client exposure within a supportive, collaborative environment.

Role overview

The successful candidate will manage their own workload while supporting senior team members on major instructions. The role will involve technical planning work, client engagement, project coordination and contributions to business development. Experience in infrastructure and/or renewable energy, including EIA screening and scoping, will be highly valued.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare planning appraisals for land, buildings and development concepts.
• Undertake planning research, analysis and due diligence.
• Prepare and coordinate planning applications, including planning statements and supporting documentation.
• Draft high-quality reports, interpreting technical data and providing clear, reasoned recommendations.
• Manage projects from early feasibility through to determination and delivery.
• Liaise and negotiate with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, third parties and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients and professional teams.
• Develop creative and pragmatic planning solutions that balance commercial, policy and stakeholder considerations.
• Ensure compliance with planning legislation, policy and best practice.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions and the implications of national and local planning policy.
• Contribute to internal collaboration across disciplines and regional teams.
• Support business development activities, including attending external events and working with senior colleagues on new opportunities.

Skills & experience required

• MRTPI and/or MRICS qualified, with circa 5 years’ post-qualification experience.
• Background in planning consultancy, with exposure to energy, infrastructure and/or EIA-led projects preferred.
• Strong written communication skills, with an enjoyment of drafting planning reports and arguments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities concurrently.
• Confidence working with clients, local authorities and senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior planners and graduates.
• A collaborative mindset with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.

Why apply through Climate17?

Climate17 specialises exclusively in climate, sustainability, energy and infrastructure recruitment. We work closely with our clients to ensure roles are well-matched, transparent and aligned with long-term career goals. We also provide market insight, interview support and honest guidance throughout the process.