Senior Planning Manager - MRTPI / Town Planning

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development business in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Planning Manager to provide strategic planning advice for renewable energy projects. The role requires a candidate with at least 5 years of experience and a strong background in Town and Country Planning. Responsibilities include liaising with local authorities, preparing planning applications, and developing project strategies. This is an opportunity to influence the development of significant renewable projects and work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in preparing and coordinating planning applications.
• Experience on renewable energy projects, particularly wind.
• Chartered status of RTPI or IEMA.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional planning advice and lead on planning strategy.
• Develop project planning strategy and design.
• Liaise with planning authorities and agencies.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Logical planning and decision-making

Ability to work to tight deadlines

Strong customer service ethic

Excellent people skills

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning or relevant field

Job description

Overview

Senior Planning Manager – Renewable Energy Development Company, Cambridge

Circular Resourcing are delighted to be recruiting for a Senior Planning Manager to join one of the UK’s leading development businesses with a strong portfolio of both Wind and Solar projects across the UK.

MAIN OBJECTIVE

• Provide professional planning advice and lead on planning strategy for individual and multiple projects; coordinate and prepare planning applications and environmental statements; secure permissions and consents; monitor and contribute to Local Plans, policy and guidance; deliver expert evidence at public inquiries; maintain relationships with key stakeholders; coordinate planning appeals and advise on all aspects of planning procedures, local policy and regulations.
• Act as the key point of contact with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and relevant consultants, working as part of a multi-disciplinary project team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The main duties and objectives of the role are as follows

• Develop project planning strategy and design
• Work on a range of projects as required by the Planning Director, commensurate with skill level and project complexity; prepare appropriate applications and secure relevant approvals and consents.
• Collaborate with project teams to develop planning strategy and project design at various stages to maximise planning success.
• Prepare and coordinate submission of planning appeals.
• Monitor, respond to and coordinate local authority consultations.
• Conduct research and report on development issues that may impact the company’s activities.
• Undertake site surveys and report observations related to planning issues.

• Preparation, Co-ordination and Delivery of Planning Requirements
• Prepare and complete planning deliverables (screening and scoping opinions, planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments, appeals, representations, etc.) and secure satisfactory outputs (determination, permissions, consents, allocations, discharge of conditions).
• Procure and manage relevant specialist consultants in planning, renewables, environmental and research areas (e.g., planners, EIA and environmental consultants).
• Work closely with Project Managers, providing inputs on scope, planning strategy, timescales and viable programmes; advise on likely planning-related costs.
• Collaborate with the operations team to provide planning advice and support to operational sites, including ongoing planning requirements.

• Collaboration with Local Planning Authorities, Statutory Consultees and Communities
• Liaise with planning authorities, agencies and consultees to meet information requirements and secure support for projects; assist in community liaison, attend exhibitions and meetings; develop and maintain relationships with authorities and organisations to support company activities.

• Health and Safety
• Work safely at all times in accordance with Health and Safety Plan.

Key Contacts & Working Environment

The majority of contact will be with the Planning Director, Senior Development Planners and multi-disciplinary project teams. External contacts include LPAs and statutory consultees. Attendance at community exhibitions and meetings will support projects.

Working Environment

• Time divided between office-based and out-of-office activities, including meetings with external bodies and communities.
• Work cycle periods aligned with planning deadlines, committees, business plan targets and project milestones.

Technical Skills, Knowledge & Education

• Degree level or equivalent with qualifications in Town and Country Planning (or relevant field).
• Experience in preparation and coordination of planning applications / DCOs and liaison with local planning authorities; essential experience on renewable energy projects, particularly wind.
• Chartered status of RTPI or IEMA.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Technical Skills and Experience

Essential

• Degree or equivalent with qualifications in, or relevant to, Town and Country Planning.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in preparing and coordinating planning applications and liaising with local planning authorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary project team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure.
• Experience with TCPA regime and S36 and DCO regimes.
• Full UK driving licence; willing to travel regularly.
• Chartered status of RTPI or IEMA.
• Experience on renewable energy projects, particularly wind; working knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessments.

• Desirable
• Working knowledge of the planning system in England and Scotland.

Personal Qualities / Competencies

• Logical planning and decision-making; ability to motivate, lead by example, and know when to challenge.
• Integrity, influence, attention to detail and good judgement; hands-on approach.
• Ability to concentrate on multiple tasks, prioritise, and manage internal and external meetings.
• Confident self-starter; comfortable in a dynamic environment; positive can-do attitude.
• Strategic thinking with ability to manage day-to-day details; strong customer service ethic.
• Independent thought, willingness to challenge current practice; diligent and thorough; composure under pressure.
• Flexible and responsive; excellent people skills (active listening, empathy, influencing).