At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and environmental permitting for solar and battery energy projects.
- Company: Join Lightsource bp, a leader in renewable energy innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on sustainability and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy transition while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in planning, strong project management, and GIS skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Department: Environmental & Social Planning
Reporting to: Head of Environmental & Social Planning, UK & Ireland
Location: London, UK
About Lightsource bp
We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development. For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise. Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security. Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.
What you’ll do (the role)
Summary: We are looking for an experienced, driven planner to lead planning and environmental permitting across our growing solar and battery energy storage portfolio. This is a high-impact role at the heart of the energy transition, shaping projects from inception through to consenting, construction, and operation. You will own the end-to-end planning and permitting process — managing consultants, preparing and progressing environmental assessments and planning applications, and negotiating with planning, environmental, and permitting authorities. You will input into business strategy, manage competing priorities across multiple projects, and provide clear, defensible planning advice that balances technical, environmental, and commercial considerations. You will work collaboratively across business development, engineering, grid, construction, and legal teams — bringing credibility, rigour, and a solutions-focused mindset to every challenge.
What you bring:
- Proven TCPA and NSIP experience and strong working knowledge of the Planning Act 2008
- Up-to-date understanding of the UK planning and environmental permitting policy landscape
- The confidence to navigate complex stakeholder environments - from local authorities to political stakeholders
- Strong project management skills: programme, risk, and budget ownership
- A proactive, hands-on approach with the judgment to drive projects forward
The Opportunity: You will be a key member of a collaborative, high-performing team, supporting and deputising for the Head of Environmental Planning as needed. You'll also join Lightsource bp's wider global environmental planning community, with opportunities to contribute to company-wide initiatives that align with your interests.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Taking a key role in leading and managing the planning for NSIP scale and other projects.
- Developing Lightsource bp’s inhouse NSIP expertise.
- Provide expert advice to inform planning strategy, decision making, and risk management throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support site selection and project feasibility work undertaking environmental / planning appraisals, using GIS tools and undertaking site visits.
- Providing expert planning advice to inform decision-making, identifying potential planning constraints which may impact site selection.
- Lead and manage the planning and environmental permitting activities for a portfolio of projects, including: appointment and project management of external consultant teams; review and sign off of reports; collaborating with the internal Business Development, Engineering and Construction teams to define project design and detail, ensuring these respond to planning, environmental and community challenges and concerns.
- Ensure planning applications are legally robust and defensible, anticipating and mitigating judicial review risk through rigorous interrogation of assumptions and evidence.
- Work with internal Development Managers and co-developers in permit and licensing processes and their responses/solutions to flagged risks and propose risk mitigation measures.
- Programme, budget and risk management including regular reporting to the Head of Environmental Planning and the Business Development team.
- Lead on stakeholder engagement for projects, building and maintaining relationships with statutory bodies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to facilitate efficient consenting processes.
- Undertake construction handovers to ensure planning, environmental and social obligations during construction and operation are clearly detailed and understood.
- Undertake post-construction planning compliance audits for operational assets.
- Undertake due diligence for potential M&A targets and reviewing warranties on project and asset divestments.
- Mentoring junior staff on personal development and providing input into both Team and Department strategy.
- Developing strong relationships with internal team members and being involved in maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders, including politicians and Solar Energy UK.
- Represent the organisation at planning committees, trade association meetings and industry events.
- Monitor and interpret national, regional, and local planning policy, advising on implications for the Country's development strategy and respond to Government consultations.
- Travel around the country for site visits, community information events, and meetings with planning authorities is likely.
Who we’re looking for:
Knowledge: Comprehensive working knowledge of UK planning systems (Town and Country Planning Act 1990, NSIP Development Consent Order process, and emerging Significant Infrastructure Projects regime in Wales), demonstrated through experience navigating complex consenting challenges, managing stakeholder conflicts, and advising on strategy under scrutiny.
Experience & Education: At least 7+ years’ experience of managing planning and/or EIA, ideally in-house or consultancy experience. Experience in utility scale solar PV, wind and/or BESS preferable, or other renewables energy/infrastructure projects will also be a benefit. Experience in managing projects at all stages of a project and delivering effective stakeholder and community engagement. Experience in using GIS tools for constraints mapping (ArcGIS or similar). Excellent technical, project management and communication skills to manage the assessment and preparation of planning applications, EIAs and management plans. Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in planning, Environmental Engineering is required. MRTPI or IPI.
Why you’ll want to work for us: Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow, a place where your ideas and opinions matter.
Be you: We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.
Be responsible: Our culture is driven by our core values – from operating safely to ensuring our projects are responsible.
Be recognised: Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.
Be inspired: Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. These include our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project, or volunteering on our VIBES committee to name a few.
Our core values: Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.
Why You’ll Want to Stay with us: At Lightsource bp, you’ll work within agile, cross-functional teams where diverse perspectives come together. Our culture embraces open knowledge sharing and collaboration, empowering you to learn from others and accelerate progress collectively. Your career growth is our priority and a shared journey. We are committed to developing talent from within and prepare you for career advancement so you can shape a fulfilling and lasting journey here. In today’s fast-changing world, a learning mindset is essential and therefore we proactively support upskilling to help you push your skill boundaries and stay ahead in your field, so you can not only keep pace with change, but confidently shape a brighter future.
Principal Environmental Planner in London employer: Lightsource BP
Lightsource bp is an exceptional employer located in Greater London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance, and robust pension schemes, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth within the renewable energy sector. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the world of sustainable energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Environmental Planner in London
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Lightsource BP.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Lightsource BP and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Environmental Planner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Lightsource BP.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Lightsource BP will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Environmental Planner at Lightsource BP. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lightsource BP
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Lightsource BP, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Lightsource BP that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
