At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for major infrastructure projects that enhance communities and the environment.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a leader in sustainable development and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on regional infrastructure while mentoring future planning professionals.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning experience and a degree in Town Planning or related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Role
Are you an experienced Town Planning professional ready to shape complex infrastructure projects that truly make a difference? We're looking for a strategic and forward-thinking Planning Manager to lead the planning discipline across United Utilities' major capital programme. This is an exciting opportunity to influence projects that improve environmental resilience, support sustainable communities and help deliver essential services across the North West.
As the discipline lead, you'll play a pivotal role in securing successful planning outcomes across a diverse and challenging portfolio, from urban developments to environmentally sensitive sites. You'll provide leadership, technical expertise and strategic direction while building strong relationships with planning authorities, internal stakeholders and communities alike.
This is far more than a traditional planning role. It's an opportunity to lead at scale, influence regional infrastructure delivery and mentor a growing professional community within a highly collaborative matrix organisation.
What you'll be responsible for
- Discipline Leadership & Standards
- Lead the planning discipline, setting professional standards, policies and best-practice guidance across all planning activities.
- Provide technical assurance, expert challenge and support to project teams and planning specialists across Capital Delivery portfolios.
- Build a strong professional culture and sense of connection for planners working within the matrix model.
- Planning Strategy & Delivery
- Oversee the preparation, submission and management of planning applications, environmental assessments, and associated consents.
- Develop planning strategies that balance policy requirements, environmental considerations, stakeholder expectations and programme priorities.
- Provide expert advice on planning risk, mitigation strategies and opportunities to streamline approvals and delivery.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build trusted relationships with planning authorities, statutory consultees, local councils and community stakeholders.
- Represent United Utilities during planning discussions, negotiations and pre-application engagement activities.
- Support strategic engagement on local and national planning policy and relevant legislative change.
- Resource Planning & Matrix Support
- Maintain oversight of planning workload, demand and resource utilisation across multiple portfolios.
- Collaborate with project teams to ensure planning specialists are effectively deployed and professionally supported.
- Lead recruitment, development and performance management for planning professionals, including graduates and apprentices.
- Governance, Assurance & Risk Management
- Ensure all planning activity is delivered in line with planning law, environmental regulations and internal governance standards.
- Provide clear reporting on planning performance, authority sentiment, risks and opportunities.
- Lead assurance reviews to ensure submissions are robust, defensible and aligned with business objectives.
- Continuous Improvement & Professional Development
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across planning processes, engagement strategies and technical standards.
- Develop and maintain guidance materials, best-practice tools and technical resources.
- Champion professional development, including RTPI pathways and continuing professional development (CPD).
What we're looking for
We're looking for a highly credible planning leader who combines technical excellence with commercial awareness, emotional intelligence and strong stakeholder management skills. You'll bring:
- Extensive planning experience within infrastructure, utilities or complex development programmes.
- Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, planning policy and local authority processes.
- A proven track record of securing infrastructure planning consents across urban, rural and environmentally sensitive locations.
- Experience building strong relationships with planning authorities and statutory consultees.
- The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams within a matrix environment.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels.
- A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Chartered RTPI membership (essential).
Most importantly, you'll be someone who thrives on collaboration, brings clarity to complexity and enjoys delivering projects that create long-term value for both communities and the environment.
Why join United Utilities?
At United Utilities, you'll be part of an organisation delivering projects that matter — protecting the environment, supporting communities and creating a more sustainable future for the North West. We're proud to foster a culture where people can grow, innovate and feel genuinely supported in their careers.
In return, we offer:
- 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after four years, plus bank holidays.
- Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution.
- £5000 Annual Car Allowance.
- Up to 20% performance-related bonus.
- Comprehensive company-funded healthcare plan.
- A strong commitment to flexible and hybrid working.
We're also proud to be recognised as one of the UK's leading inclusive employers, ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and bring their best selves to work.
Planning & Strategy Manager in Warrington employer: United Utilities
At United Utilities, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and communities across the North West. As a Planning & Strategy Manager, you will thrive in a supportive and innovative culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration, with access to extensive benefits including generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and a commitment to flexible working arrangements. Join us to lead meaningful projects that enhance sustainability and resilience while being part of a recognised inclusive employer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Strategy Manager in Warrington
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like United Utilities that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like United Utilities that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like United Utilities. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like United Utilities when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Strategy Manager in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with United Utilities's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Planning & Strategy Manager.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research United Utilities and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that United Utilities is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Planning & Strategy Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with United Utilities.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at United Utilities.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of United Utilities. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
