Senior Planning Manager

Senior Project Planner: Renewable Gas/ Infrastructure

Brightsmith are currently supporting a growing renewable energy infrastructure business focused on the development, delivery, and operation of sustainable biogas and biomethane assets. The company plays a key role in supporting decarbonisation, energy security, and long-term environmental sustainability through innovative infrastructure projects across the UK.

Role Overview

Seeking an experienced Senior Project Planner to lead town and country planning activities for new-build renewable energy infrastructure projects. This role is critical to securing planning consent for a pipeline of complex, commercial-scale developments and will work closely with internal project, engineering, and development teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end town and country planning processes for new-build infrastructure developments.
• Prepare, manage, and submit planning applications for commercial and industrial projects in line with local and national planning policy.
• Act as the primary planning interface with local planning authorities, statutory bodies, and relevant government stakeholders.
• Manage and coordinate external planning consultants and specialist advisors.
• Develop and implement planning strategies, including risk identification and mitigation.
• Oversee planning documentation, including technical reports, environmental studies, and consultation materials.
• Support the discharge of planning conditions following consent.
• Advise internal stakeholders on planning constraints, programmes, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to public consultation and stakeholder engagement activities where required.

Essential Requirements:

• Degree-level qualification and professional experience in town and country planning (or a related discipline).
• Proven experience delivering planning applications for new-build commercial or industrial developments.
• Background working with local authorities, government bodies, or large consultancies.
• Strong experience managing external consultants and advisors.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and organisational skills.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience within renewable energy, infrastructure, or environmental projects.
• Familiarity with rural development and complex planning environments.
• Knowledge of environmental and regulatory frameworks (e.g. EIA).

If you are interested in this opportunity please apply here or reach out at h.lowther@brightsmithgroup.com for more information.