Senior Town Planning Specialist in Aberdeen
Senior Town Planning Specialist

Senior Town Planning Specialist in Aberdeen

Aberdeen Full-Time 50000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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SSE PLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team of Town Planners to shape sustainable energy strategies and tackle planning challenges.
  • Company: Join SSE, a leader in renewable energy and critical infrastructure development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
  • Other info: Be part of an award-winning team dedicated to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's green future while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute with strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 75000 £ per year.

Base Location: Perth, Aberdeen, or Inverness

Salary: £50,100 - £75,100 per annum + car/car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible working options available

The Role

Due to our continued growth, an exciting new opportunity has arisen for another Senior Town Planner to join our team. In this role, you’ll shape the Transmission business consenting strategy and play a pivotal part in delivering our Green Strategy. You’ll lead a small team of experienced Chartered Town Planners, working with a high level of autonomy while having access to expert support whenever you need it.

As a major transporter of renewable energy, you’ll help us connect new onshore and offshore generation and deliver power to demand centres across Scotland and beyond, supporting Scotland and the UK’s 2030 net zero targets. Alongside working on critical national infrastructure projects, you’ll join a multi-award-winning team recently recognised as the Royal Town Planning Institute ‘In House Planning Team of the Year’ for 2025. Your contribution will be rewarded with excellent opportunities for development and long‑term career progression within this key sector.

You will:

  • Lead, develop and motivate a knowledgeable team of Town Planners, driving the development of robust consenting strategies and finding solutions to overcome challenging consenting issues.
  • Act as a lead subject matter expert on spatial planning matters, providing guidance, training and support to ensure consistency on planning matters.
  • Provide specialist support and advice to the team of town planners and project teams delivering complex planning and s37 consents aligning business level commitments and procedures to maximise efficiency, value and consistency.
  • Take a lead role to build and foster excellent relationships with government, statutory bodies and industry specialists across the UK to ensure Transmission is at the forefront of advances in Town Planning best practice and has the information and tools to inform priorities.
  • Effectively represent Transmission’s interests in government and industry forums and working groups to support the practical development and implementation of national planning policies, frameworks, and statutory guidance. This includes representing the business at public hearings and calls for evidence.

You have:

  • A relevant degree (or equivalent) and be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
  • In-depth, detailed knowledge of the Scottish planning process, consenting regimes and environmental impact assessment (EIA) legislation.
  • Solution focused with excellent communication skills, being able to articulate complex spatial planning issues to a wide variety of stakeholders.
  • A willingness to lead, mentor and support the development of the team, and have the resilience to adapt at pace, dealing with challenges and opportunities across an extensive workload.
  • A commitment to innovation and new ideas to add value and improve the consenting approach.

About SSE

SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

SSEN Transmission owns and operates the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that’s not all – we’re upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.

Flexible benefits to fit your life:

  • Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships.
  • Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service.
  • Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer:

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We’re dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply? Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we’ll be taking your application further. If you’re offered a role with SSE, you’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

Senior Town Planning Specialist in Aberdeen employer: SSE PLC

SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Perth, Aberdeen, or Inverness, where you can play a crucial role in shaping the future of renewable energy. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a range of benefits that support your wellbeing and family, SSE fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
SSE PLC

Contact Detail:

SSE PLC Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Town Planning Specialist in Aberdeen

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.

✨Show Off Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your knowledge of the Scottish planning process and your experience with EIA legislation. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!

✨Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework on the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially around the Green Strategy and net zero targets. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Town Planning Specialist in Aberdeen

Chartered Town Planner
Spatial Planning
Consenting Strategies
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving
Mentoring
Adaptability
Innovation
Knowledge of Scottish Planning Process
Relationship Building
Public Representation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Town Planning Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in spatial planning and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.

Showcase Your Expertise: We want to see your in-depth knowledge of the Scottish planning process and EIA legislation. Use specific examples in your application to demonstrate how you've tackled complex planning issues in the past.

Be Solution-Focused: In your written application, emphasise your problem-solving skills. We love candidates who can articulate how they've overcome challenges in previous roles, especially in relation to consenting strategies.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. We're excited to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the Scottish planning process and EIA legislation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable expert ready to lead.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop others, as this role requires someone who can drive a team of Town Planners towards success.

✨Build Relationships

Think about how you can demonstrate your experience in building relationships with government bodies and industry specialists. This is crucial for the role, so be ready to share specific instances where you've fostered strong connections.

✨Be Solution-Focused

Come prepared with examples of how you've tackled complex planning issues in the past. Show that you can think critically and creatively to find solutions, which is key for overcoming challenges in this role.

Senior Town Planning Specialist in Aberdeen
SSE PLC
Location: Aberdeen
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