Planning Lead

Murray McIntosh Associates Ltd; Guildford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy developer is seeking a Planning Lead for their Guildford-based team. This high-impact role involves managing complex planning applications for large anaerobic digestion sites and developing the planning team. Candidates should have a degree in a planning-related subject and at least 3 years of experience in large infrastructure projects. The position offers growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving sector.

Benefits

Collaborative work culture

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in planning for large infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder planning processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning applications, variations, appeals, and stakeholder consultations for major infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality submissions.
• Build relationships with local authorities, regulators, and communities.

Skills

Complex planning management

Stakeholder relations

Public consultation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree level qualification in planning-related subject

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 Lead 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 - aking 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
• 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 Development Manager and liaise with other senior stakeholders, including the Business Development Director CEO.
• Attend site visits, exhibitions, and planning committee meetings

We're looking for:

• 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