Planning Development Manager- Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Murray McIntosh; Guildford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm in Guildford is seeking a Planning Development Manager to oversee complex planning applications and mentor a Planning Assistant. This role focuses on renewable energy projects and offers significant career growth potential, along with the chance to engage in high-impact, influential work within the company and the industry. Ideal candidates will have experience in managing planning for large projects and possess strong interpersonal and consultation skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in planning for large infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex planning applications for anaerobic digestion sites.
• Lead consultations for major infrastructure projects.
• Mentor a Planning Assistant.

Skills

Complex planning management

Stakeholder consultation

Interpersonal skills

Resilience under scrutiny

Education

Degree in planning-related subject or equivalent

Job description

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Client:

Location:

Guildford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

1da4259bf602

Job Views:

19

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

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 CEO.
• Attend site visits, exhibitions, and planning committee meetings
• 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