At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive renewable energy projects from site identification to planning consent.
- Company: Dynamic developer of renewable energy projects in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of renewable energy while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in securing consents for renewable energy schemes and strong UK planning knowledge.
- Other info: Join a purpose-led team committed to sustainability and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 63000 £ per year.
Our client is a developer of renewable energy projects in the UK, specialising in origination and development, through to financing, operation, and maintenance. They are seeking an experienced Planning & Consents Manager to drive the successful delivery of solar and low‐carbon infrastructure projects across the UK. This is a rare opportunity to influence projects from early site identification through to planning consent while also supporting wider business growth in a company with ambition, pace, and purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Site Identification & Feasibility
- Collaborate with Land and Grid teams to identify suitable search areas.
- Screen and appraise sites, producing feasibility assessments and planning risk reviews.
- Feed planning insights into wider investment and business development decisions.
- Planning & Design Integration
- Advise engineering colleagues on planning policy, environmental constraints, and site‐specific risks.
- Help optimise project layouts to balance technical, environmental, and planning considerations.
- Project Management
- Lead planning programmes, budgets, and resource planning.
- Commission and manage specialist consultants, reviewing their outputs to ensure quality, proportionality, and deliverability.
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Engage proactively with landowners, LPAs, statutory consultees, and communities.
- Represent the company at public exhibitions, industry forums, and meetings with regulators.
- Communicate planning arguments and project benefits clearly and persuasively.
- Planning Applications & Documentation
- Lead the submission, negotiation, and determination of planning applications.
- Manage conditions, variations, and NMAs to progress projects toward construction readiness.
- Prepare or oversee key planning deliverables.
- Internal Collaboration
- Support land engagement, lease negotiations, and cross‐functional delivery planning.
- Ensure alignment across teams to achieve cohesive and successful project outcomes.
About You
- Proven track record securing consents for renewable energy schemes, ideally solar.
- Strong understanding of UK planning legislation, national policy, and local plan frameworks.
- Comprehensive EIA experience from screening/scoping through to reviewing Environmental Statements.
- Confident managing conditions, NMAs, and planning obligations.
- Competent with GIS or mapping tools (QGIS, ArcGIS, etc.).
- Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Science, or similar (or equivalent experience).
- RTPI‐accredited or working towards accreditation (or extensive time‐served expertise).
- A proactive "developer mindset" focused on solutions and delivery.
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.
- Comfortable navigating complexity, challenging assumptions, and driving progress.
- Strong communicator with the confidence to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Willing to travel to project sites, including occasional overnight stays.
Rewards & Benefits
- £55,000–£70,000 annual salary (dependent on experience)
- 25 days holiday plus public holidays
- Private medical insurance (including immediate family)
- Life Assurance
- 8% employer pension contribution
- Specsavers eyecare scheme
- Performance‐related bonus
- Flexible working arrangements.
If you’re a motivated planning professional looking to take on a high‐impact role shaping the UK’s renewable energy future, we’d love to hear from you.
About Us
Climate17 is a purpose‐led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.
Inclusive Application Process
Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.
Planning & Consents Manager - Renewable Energy in Leeds employer: Climate17
Contact Detail:
Climate17 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Consents Manager - Renewable Energy in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the renewable energy sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meet-ups to meet potential employers and learn about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and successes in planning and consents. This will help you stand out during interviews and give you a chance to discuss your experience in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating how your skills align with the role of Planning & Consents Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and ambitions. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our mission to shape the future of renewable energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Consents Manager - Renewable Energy in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in renewable energy and planning. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Planning & Consents Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to secure consents for renewable energy schemes. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your impact – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for renewable energy shines through!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Climate17
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK planning legislation and renewable energy policies. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in the sector, especially solar initiatives. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully secured consents for renewable energy schemes. Highlight your experience with EIA processes and how you've navigated complex planning applications. Real-life stories resonate well with interviewers!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key in this role, think of ways to illustrate your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with landowners, local authorities, and communities in previous roles. Being able to convey planning arguments clearly is crucial.
✨Be a Problem Solver
Adopt a proactive mindset during the interview. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in project management and how you overcame them. Show that you're not just about identifying problems but also about finding solutions that drive progress.