Principal Planner

JR United Kingdom; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Principal Planner to lead planning and consenting for major green energy projects. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and DCO submissions, with at least 7 years of planning experience in the infrastructure sector. This role offers excellent career growth opportunities in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefit package

Opportunities for career development

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years postgraduate experience in infrastructure/development planning.
• Experience submitting Development Consent Orders (DCOs).
• UK driving license (or acceptable alternative) for client meetings.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver planning and consenting strategies for renewable energy projects.
• Collaborate with Project Manager to shape planning activities.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior team members.
• Implement initiatives to enhance planning processes.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Team mentorship

Planning strategy development

Education

Masters in Geography, Planning, Environmental Sciences, or related fields

Job description

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UK (remote or hybrid working)

Competitive salary + benefit package

Our client is a leading consultancy providing professional planning and engineering services to the power sector, supporting the UK's transition to net zero. They plan, design, and deliver major power projects linking renewable energy sources to towns and cities across the UK.

Specialising in the planning, design, and survey of Overhead Lines, Underground Cables, and Substation Systems from LV to EHV, they play a critical role in major power infrastructure and renewable developments both in the UK and internationally.

The role

Seeking an experienced Principal Planner to lead the planning and consenting processes for major projects, including large-scale green energy infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a background in managing Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), especially those requiring Development Consent Orders (DCOs) or similar approvals. Experience with linear infrastructure projects is preferred, but expertise in local planning applications and Section 37 (S.37) consent processes is also valued.

• Manage and deliver planning and consenting strategies for renewable energy projects, ensuring regulatory compliance
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to shape planning activities, contributing to project success
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior team members
• Implement initiatives to enhance planning processes and business operations

This role offers the chance to work on high-profile energy projects aligned with the UK's Net Zero goals, with excellent opportunities for career development.

The candidate

Looking for an ambitious individual passionate about green energy.

• Educated to Masters (preferred) or Bachelors level in Geography, Planning, Environmental Sciences, or related fields
• Member or working towards membership in a relevant professional institution (desirable)
• UK driving license (or acceptable alternative) for attendance at client meetings
• Minimum 7 years postgraduate experience in infrastructure/development planning, including transmission or distribution schemes
• Experience submitting Development Consent Orders (DCOs)

This is a great opportunity to join a well-established, high-performing team that values work-life balance. Senior team members have been with the company for over 10 years on average. The team has recently doubled in size to meet increasing client demands.

The successful candidate will have the chance to work at the UK's leading multi-disciplinary utility sector consultancy, known for its autonomy, respect, and flexibility. The company culture emphasizes recognition and individual contribution rather than hierarchy.

If interested, apply now by submitting your CV or contact David McGovern at Tempest Jones via [emailprotected].