Planning Manager

Job Description

The Role

Are you an experienced Town Planning professional ready to shape complex infrastructure projects that truly make a difference?

We’re looking for a strategic and forward-thinking Planning Manager to lead the planning discipline across United Utilities’ major capital programme. This is an exciting opportunity to influence projects that improve environmental resilience, support sustainable communities and help deliver essential services across the North West.

As the discipline lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in securing successful planning outcomes across a diverse and challenging portfolio, from urban developments to environmentally sensitive sites. You’ll provide leadership, technical expertise and strategic direction while building strong relationships with planning authorities, internal stakeholders and communities alike.

This is far more than a traditional planning role. It’s an opportunity to lead at scale, influence regional infrastructure delivery and mentor a growing professional community within a highly collaborative matrix organisation.

What you’ll be responsible for

Discipline Leadership & Standards

• Lead the planning discipline, setting professional standards, policies and best-practice guidance across all planning activities.
• Provide technical assurance, expert challenge and support to project teams and planning specialists across Capital Delivery portfolios.
• Build a strong professional culture and sense of connection for planners working within the matrix model.

Planning Strategy & Delivery

• Oversee the preparation, submission and management of planning applications, environmental assessments, and associated consents.
• Develop planning strategies that balance policy requirements, environmental considerations, stakeholder expectations and programme priorities.
• Provide expert advice on planning risk, mitigation strategies and opportunities to streamline approvals and delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build trusted relationships with planning authorities, statutory consultees, local councils and community stakeholders.
• Represent United Utilities during planning discussions, negotiationsand pre-application engagement activities.
• Support strategic engagement on local and national planning policy and relevant legislative change

Resource Planning & Matrix Support

• Maintain oversight of planning workload, demand and resource utilisation across multiple portfolios.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure planning specialists are effectively deployed and professionally supported.
• Lead recruitment, development and performance management for planning professionals, including graduates and apprentices.

Governance, Assurance & Risk Management

• Ensure all planning activity is delivered in line with planning law, environmental regulations and internal governance standards.
• Provide clear reporting on planning performance, authority sentiment, risks and opportunities.
• Lead assurance reviews to ensure submissions are robust, defensible and aligned with business objectives.

Continuous Improvement & Professional Development

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across planning processes, engagement strategies and technical standards.
• Develop and maintain guidance materials, best-practice tools and technical resources.
• Champion professional development, including RTPI pathways and continuing professional development (CPD).

What we're looking for

We’re looking for a highly credible planning leader who combines technical excellence with commercial awareness, emotional intelligence and strong stakeholder management skills.

You’ll bring:

• Extensive planning experience within infrastructure, utilities or complex development programmes
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, planning policy and local authority processes
• A proven track record of securing infrastructure planning consents across urban, rural and environmentally sensitive locations
• Experience building strong relationships with planning authorities and statutory consultees
• The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams within a matrix environment
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels
• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Chartered RTPI membership (essential)

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who thrives on collaboration, brings clarity to complexity and enjoys delivering projects that create long-term value for both communities and the environment.

Why join United Utilities?

At United Utilities, you’ll be part of an organisation delivering projects that matter — protecting the environment, supporting communities and creating a more sustainable future for the North West.

We’re proud to foster a culture where people can grow, innovate and feel genuinely supported in their careers.

In return, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after four years, plus bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution
• £5000 Annual Car Allowance
• Up to 20% performance-related bonus
• Comprehensive company-funded healthcare plan
• A strong commitment to flexible and hybrid working

We’re also proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading inclusive employers, ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and bring their best selves to work.