Town and Country Planner

THE ROLE

We're seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic, and experienced Town & Country Planner to join our planning team to support the project definition and consenting team, which focusses on renewable energy developments (predominantly solar farms and energy storage systems).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working alongside Starlight Energy’s professionals, this will be an integral role in the Project Development team: 

• Advising on the feasibility of projects
• Identifying and advising on policy challenges for identified projects
• Drafting, reviewing and submitting planning applications, and non-material amendments for projects across the UK
• Provide advice to the land sourcing, engineering & design teams and solicitor teams working with you to deliver viable projects
• Representing our clients in discussions with statutory bodies, such as the Local Planning Authorities and Parish Councils.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Time management & prioritization skills - things can get a little hectic, so the ability to effectively manage yourself and your workload is critical
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - you must be able to organize your thoughts in a way that others find clear and compelling. You will be expected to put together well-written, grammatically correct emails and other communications. When communicating verbally – whether over the phone, on video calls, in person or in meetings – you will need to be articulate, warm and engaging
• Flexibility - being an effective team player means being flexible in your approach and open to getting involved with new things, even if they are not spelt out in your job description
• Intellectual Curiosity – Town Planning is a broad and nuanced field and we are looking for someone who is truly interested in our profession and has the intellectual curiosity to delve deep into topics and bring fresh ideas to the team
• IT Literacy - you need to be comfortable with IT systems and working with data (you should have at least intermediate-level excel)
• Delivery focus – it may sound obvious, but the ability to proactively churn through work at pace and deliver quality outputs really matters
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Passion for our mission ‘to generate a more sustainable future by leading the transition to clean energy
• Our values: be a leader, build trust, be responsible, be innovative and ‘bring your alpha’.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS  

• Degree qualified, ideally with an RTPI accredited undergraduate in Town & Country Planning
• At least two years post-graduation relevant work experience in private practice or working at a Local Authority, and a member of the RTPI, or working towards corporate membership
• Full clean UK Driving License, with access to a car
• The right to work in the UK.

 WHAT WE OFFER

• A busy role in a supportive team, with plenty of opportunities to learn
• International scope – we operate in over 8 countries
• Hybrid working policy
• 30 days’ holiday per year (3 of which are taken during the festive shutdown in December)
• Private pension
• BUPA Healthcare for you and qualifying dependents
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing schemes
• Annual discretionary bonus.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this opportunity, please follow the link to apply or send your application to [email protected]. If you have been shortlisted for the next stage, we will be in contact within 14 days. 

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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our approach to diversity and inclusion is a natural extension of our values. Our entrepreneurial culture inspires us to try new things, be open to different viewpoints and be bold. Our Group is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of connectedness that values difference and gives space for individual expression. The collective sum of our individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent and hard work form the bedrock of who we are and who we aspire to be.

We are committed to equal employment and advancement opportunity irrespective of race, color, ancestry, social background, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability and gender identity.