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- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications for large renewable energy projects.
- Company: Join Future Biogas, a leader in unsubsidised green gas infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, professional development, and visibility at senior levels.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national planning reform and contribute to sustainability goals.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or equivalent experience; 3+ years in infrastructure or renewable energy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, purpose-driven organisation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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 Development Manager 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 the planning team-taking line management responsibility for a Planning Assistant and supporting 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
- Manage and mentor a Planning Assistant, supporting their development
- 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 lead 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 Manager- Infrastructure employer: Murray McIntosh
Contact Detail:
Murray McIntosh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager- Infrastructure
✨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 and the specific challenges Future Biogas faces.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the renewable energy and planning sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who might provide insights or even referrals for the Planning Manager role at Future Biogas.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing complex planning applications and stakeholder consultations. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your resilience and ability to navigate challenging environments, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Future Biogas's current projects and partnerships, especially their work with AstraZeneca. Understanding their mission and recent developments 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 Manager- Infrastructure
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 well as your ability to navigate regulatory environments.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a planning-related subject. If you have any 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 highlight your strong interpersonal skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Murray McIntosh
✨Research Future Biogas
Before the interview, take some time to understand Future Biogas's mission, values, and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in renewable energy and how they contribute to national net-zero goals. This will show your genuine interest in the company and help you align your answers with their objectives.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the role's focus on managing complex planning applications, be ready to discuss your experience with large infrastructure or renewable energy projects. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to navigate public consultations, regulatory engagement, and multi-stakeholder processes. This will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be managing a Planning Assistant, it's essential to convey your leadership style and mentoring approach. Think of specific instances where you've successfully guided team members or collaborated with others to achieve project goals. This will illustrate your capability to support and develop a team in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Strong Interpersonal Skills
The role requires building relationships with local authorities and communities, so be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated and built trust in previous roles. Share examples of how you've handled challenging situations or public scrutiny, showcasing your resilience and ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
