Planner / Planning Lead

Simpson Booth Limited; Liverpool City Region; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing energy infrastructure company is seeking a Planner/Planning Lead to join their team in Merseyside, UK. This role involves leading planning applications and engaging with various stakeholders to facilitate energy development projects. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Town Planning, strong knowledge of UK regulations, and experience in energy projects. The position offers hybrid working, 25 days of annual leave, and other benefits such as private healthcare and pension.

Benefits

Flexible working

Private Healthcare

On-site Parking

CPD opportunities

Pension

Quarterly socials

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications for battery storage projects.
• Provide planning advice and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Engage with local authorities and community groups.
• Liaise with environmental, legal and engineering teams.
• Monitor changes in planning policy and legislation.
• Represent the organization at planning committees.
• Assist in business development activities.
• Review strategic planning advice for acquisition opportunities.

Skills

Knowledge of UK planning regulations

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Experience in energy projects

Experience in town planning

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Chartered membership of RTPI (preferred)

Job description

Job Title :

Planner / Planning Lead

Location :

Merseyside, UK

Hybrid :

3 days onsite

About Client :

Our Client is a fast growing company in the UK energy infrastructure sector. They identify, secure and deliver large scale developments that support the decarbonisation of the power system, working with a range of partners, advisors and stakeholders. They offer a modern, flexible working environment, a strong focus on work life balance and a culture that values initiative, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About Role :

We are supporting our Client with an exciting opportunity within their growing Planning Team. As a member of the Planning and Design Team, you will be managing planning applications, engaging with stakeholders and supporting the delivery of energy developments projects. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional with experience in town planning within a local authority, consultancy, or developer environment.

Subject to level of experience, our Client is open to considering candidates at Planner level or Planning Lead level, with compensation appropriated accordingly.

Your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) :

Job Responsibilities :

• Lead and manage planning applications for largely battery storage projects.
• Provide planning advice and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with UK planning legislation and local policies.
• Engage with local authorities, consultants and community groups to facilitate planning permissions.
• Liaise with multidisciplinary teams, including environmental, legal and engineering professionals, to support project development.
• Monitor and respond to changes in planning policy, legislation and best practice guidance.
• Represent the organisation at planning committees, public inquiries and stakeholder meetings.
• Assist in business development activities by identifying opportunities and contributing to proposals.
• Review and provide strategic planning advice to acquisition opportunities.

Skills / Qualifications you will have;

• Degree (or equivalent) in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligibility for membership would be highly preferred.
• Experience in town planning within a local council, consultancy or developer.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning regulations, policies and procedures.
• Experience in energy projects (preferred), including renewable energy, grid infrastructure or major developments. Similar or adjacent sectors would also be considered.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail in preparing planning applications and reports.
• Proven experience working on discharging planning conditions and preparing modification applications (S96a / S73).
• Ability to manage multiple projects, budgets and deadlines effectively.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Requirements :

• Full UK driving license (with access to car / or being able to commute)
• Comfortable commuting and working on-site at their Head Office

Salary & Benefits

• 25 days per annum + all bank holidays
• Flexible working available
• On-site Parking
• Private Healthcare (Day 1)
• 1 professional Membership fee paid per annum
• CPD opportunities
• Pension
• Quarterly socials
• Use of pool car
• EV Salary sacrifice scheme

Our Client continues to grow on the back of a strong project pipeline. They are seeking a candidate who not only has the right skills, but also mirrors their values and demonstrates a genuine drive to succeed in everything they undertake.