Planning Manager

Following our recent projects announcements and continued growth, Eku is seeking a Planning Manager. You will be responsible for managing external consultants to create high quality planning applications, associated works, and stakeholder engagement to maximise successful planning outcomes. You will work within the development team and work with other internal teams to progress Eku’s battery storage projects through development and into operations.

Responsibilities of the role

• Planning management of high profile / high capex battery storage projects up to operations and ongoing reporting and planning oversight where required.
• Consenting risk, schedule and budget management for projects working with the Development Director.
• Serve as main point of contact for planning stakeholders with works including presenting and liaison. Experience of public consultation events and presenting to groups / committees desirable.
• Organise and keep records of updates of ongoing and potential projects.
• Establish direct relationships with key external stakeholders as agreed as required by the role, attending conferences and/or working groups as required.
• Liaise closely with the construction and operations team to help ensure best practice is adopted and conditions are adhered to.
• Appointment and management of expert 3rd party consultants including budget oversight.
• Ensure delivery of all necessary approvals and consents in line with agreed project schedules
• Ensure all planning and consent matters are resolved sufficient to allow Financial Close
• All external work to be instructed in line with company policies and best practice industry standards and relevant legislation.
• All relevant Health and Safety legislation and guidance (internal and external) to be adhered to on all external appointments, including adherence to the Health and Safety Plan.

Essential:

• Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related discipline / experience
• Minimum 5 years experience in planning or consenting roles in the UK.
• Demonstrable experience of leading or managing planning applications for energy or infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of UK planning legislation and guidance (TCPA and NSIP/DCO regimes).
• Familiarity with environmental assessments, stakeholder engagement, and EIA screening/scoping processes.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
• Desirable:
• MRTPI or working towards RTPI chartership.
• Experience with BESS, solar PV, onshore wind, peaking plant, or grid infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of grid connection and land development processes.

Competencies required of all our people

Organisational: Entrepreneurial thinking and acting - problem solving capability - innovation capability – proactive ‘can do’ attitude.

Social: Highly motivated with a versatile personality - excellent interpersonal skills - client orientation, communicative - collaborative - keenness to knowledge share.

Implementation: Self-management - result and solution orientated - quality awareness - Welfare, Health, Safety and Environmentally focused.

Culture: Helps to build a foundation of trust – creates stability – instils kindness – provides structure – is and fosters accountability – cultivates a spirit of reliability – fosters respect.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  

The diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. An inclusive and equitable workplace enables us to embrace that diversity to deliver more innovative and sustainable solutions for our people, clients, shareholders and communities. At Eku Energy, you'll be encouraged to be yourself and supported to perform at your best. We want you on our team. If you need adjustments made to the recruitment process or while you are working with us, please let us know. 

As an inclusive employer, we do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief. 

Joining Eku Energy means you’ll be able to work in a way that suits you best. With the right technology, support and resources, our people can work in a range of flexible ways. Talk to us about what working arrangements would help you thrive.

• 25 Days of annual leave
• Flexible working
• Short Term Incentive bonus based on company and personal targets
• Great working culture globally
• Attractive remuneration package