Planning consent director

Cluttons; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in London is seeking an experienced planning professional to lead consenting strategies for energy projects. You will manage client relations, coordinate project submissions, and negotiate with key stakeholders. A background in utility planning is required, along with a commitment to mentoring junior team members. This role offers hybrid working and a comprehensive benefits package, including a flexible benefits policy.

Benefits

Hybrid working

25 days holiday increasing with service

Enhanced auto enrolment pension scheme

Life assurance

Interest-free season ticket loans

Cycle to work scheme

Flu and eye care vouchers

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts at retailers and leisure venues

Flexible benefits policy for additional perks

Qualifications

• Experienced planning professional with a strong background in infrastructure project delivery.
• Demonstrable track record in utility planning or policy with a specific interest in power and utility projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead consenting strategies for power and energy projects.
• Provide expert technical advice to clients on permitting processes.
• Coordinate submission of consent applications.
• Act as Project Director for major projects.
• Lead negotiations with government bodies and stakeholders.

Job description

The role

In this team you will be part of the Cluttons land consenting team, providing planning and environmental consent delivery initially for the development and works associated with new electricity projects including substation upgrades, underground cables and associated development.

The team

The Cluttons Consents Team is focused on the development and delivery of projects consented largely via Town and Country Planning, S37 consents and use of permitted development rights. In this team you will be advise on consents and environmental support for the development and delivery of upgrades to the existing transmission system and substantial new substation builds leading on your own portfolio of schemes across the business or working as part of a team on a larger project.

The best things about the role

• Setting up a new service in a growing business
• Business and personal growth

Responsibilities

• Lead consenting strategies for power and energy projects.
• Provide expert technical advice to clients, guiding them through complex consenting processes and managing their planning and infrastructure requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of a wide range of consent applications under applicable regimes, including the Planning Act 2008 and the Town and Country Planning Acts.
• Act as Project Director on major projects led by the Infrastructure Planning and Engagement team, ensuring delivery to time, budget, and quality expectations.
• Lead negotiations with statutory consultees, government bodies, and other key stakeholders, representing clients’ interests in a confident and authoritative manner.

• Lead multi-disciplinary planning projects under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning Act 2008
• Secure consents for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and other major developments
• Support projects under the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, Transport and Works Act Order, and the Electricity Act
• Actively contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities and leading on bids and proposals
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across planning, environment, and property to deliver integrated advice
• Mentor and develop junior team members to ensure consistent project quality and career development

We are seeking an experienced planning professional with a strong background in infrastructure project delivery. You will ideally have a demonstrable track record in utility planning or policy, with a specific interest or expertise in power and utility projects.

• Hybrid working - to give you the flexibility you need
• Holidays: 25 days increasing in line with level or length of service to a maximum of 30 days
• Enhanced auto enrolment pension scheme - to help you save for the future
• Life assurance - to protect your loved ones should the worst happen
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme - discounted bicycles
• Flu and eye care vouchers - to keep you healthy
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 health & wellbeing support
• Help@Hand Remote GP app - to give you and your family access to medical experts quickly
• Platform hosting 1000s of discounts at your favourite retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, leisure & days out venues, gyms and more
• Family & wellbeing policy - including enhanced maternity pay, menopause support, neurodiversity support, carer support, company sick pay and much more

Plus a Flexible benefits policy that allows you to pick and choose additional benefits as below:

• Purchasing up to 5 days additional holiday
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounted dental insurance
• Discounted private medical insurance for family cover
• Discounted critical health insurance and more

We recognise that diversity in all its forms including but not limited to race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and background - enriches our workplace and enhances our ability to serve our clients and community effectively. Our goal is to create a culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, knowing their unique perspectives are welcomed and appreciated. We actively seek applicants from all backgrounds and want you to get in touch even if you don’t have all the skills we have asked for - we will support you with the development you need.

Recruitment agencies

Cluttons will only pay agency fees where a signed agreement is in place and the agency has been instructed by a member of our HR team.

We do not accept speculative or unsolicited CVs from any third party, including recruitment agencies. Any CVs submitted to Cluttons or any of our employees outside of our formal recruitment process, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be deemed unsolicited and will not be eligible for any agency fees.