Planning Lead- Renewable Energy Infrastructure

ZipRecruiter; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy developer is seeking a Planning Lead for their Guildford-based team. The role involves managing complex planning applications for infrastructure projects, coordinating with teams and stakeholders, and developing the planning team. Ideal candidates should have a degree in a planning-related subject and at least 3 years of relevant experience. This position offers a collaborative culture and significant career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 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 and shifting priorities.

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 process management

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder relationship building

Education

Degree level qualification in planning-related subject

Job description

Overview

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 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 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
• 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