Planning Manager

JR United Kingdom; Woking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy developer in Woking is seeking a Planning Development Manager to manage complex planning applications for anaerobic digestion sites. The role offers the opportunity to influence national planning policies and lead a team in a collaborative environment centered on sustainability and significant infrastructure projects.

Benefits

Up to 15% annual bonus

Private healthcare

Life assurance

5% pension contribution

EV lease scheme

25 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)

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 dealing with public scrutiny.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning applications, variations, appeals, and stakeholder consultations for major infrastructure projects.
• Manage and mentor a Planning Assistant.
• Build relationships with local authorities and communities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Complex planning management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Degree-level qualification in planning-related subjects

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Planning Development Manager - Renewable Energy Infrastructure, Woking

Client:

Location:

Woking, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

4

Posted:

07.06.2025

Expiry Date:

22.07.2025

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 and CEO
• Attend site visits, exhibitions, and planning committee meetings
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in planning-related subjects
• 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

Future Biogas operates on a hybrid working model with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Benefits include: up to 15% annual bonus (7.5% OTE), private healthcare, life assurance, 5% pension contribution, EV lease scheme, 25 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)