Head of Planning - Renewable Energy
15 days ago
London
Head of Planning Location: UK (Hybrid) Sector: Infrastructure / Energy / Industrial Development Reports to: Projects Director Overview We are seeking an experienced Head of Planning to lead the planning function across a portfolio of complex development projects. This senior role will have responsibility for shaping planning strategy, managing applications from feasibility through consent, and providing expert internal advice to support long-term development objectives. The successful candidate will act as the organisation’s in-house planning authority, reducing reliance on third-party consultants while ensuring high-quality, compliant, and commercially sound planning outcomes. Key Responsibilities Planning Leadership & Delivery • Lead the end-to-end planning process for new development projects, including new sites, associated infrastructure, operational expansions, and variations., • Manage planning strategies, application submissions, and approvals across multiple concurrent projects., • Ensure planning risks, dependencies, and timelines are actively managed and mitigated., • Build strong, effective relationships with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, and other key stakeholders., • Represent the organisation at planning committees, public consultations, and strategic meetings., • Lead negotiations on planning conditions, obligations, and design amendments., • Monitor and interpret national, regional, and local planning policy, advising senior leadership on implications for development strategy and site acquisition., • Provide early-stage planning input to influence site selection, master planning, environmental assessments, and design development., • Advise on planning opportunities and constraints to support future pipeline growth., • Provide technical leadership to internal teams and manage external planning consultants and specialists., • Oversee consultant selection, scope, performance, and budgets., • Ensure consistently high standards of planning documentation, evidence, and reporting., • Act as the primary internal decision-maker on planning strategy within agreed authority levels., • Manage planning-related budgets and consultancy spend., • Escalate material risks or deviations affecting cost, scope, or programme to senior leadership. Skills, Experience & Qualifications • Degree-qualified in Town and Country Planning or a related discipline., • Chartered Member of the RTPI (or equivalent)., • 5–10+ years’ experience delivering planning outcomes for commercial, industrial, or infrastructure developments., • Strong working knowledge of planning legislation, environmental regulation, and development economics., • Proven experience managing complex planning applications and negotiations with planning authorities., • Confident providing robust, independent technical advice in-house., • Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. If you are interested in hearing more please reach out at or apply below.