Planning & Consents Manager

An exciting opportunity has emerged within a dynamic organisation at the forefront of infrastructure and operational change. The business is currently undertaking a major capital programme focused on modernisation, electrification, and sustainable growth — and is looking for an experienced professional to lead its planning and consents strategy.

Operating at national scale, the organisation plays a key role in enabling essential services across the UK. This role sits at the intersection of development, regulation, and stakeholder management, requiring both technical expertise and strategic oversight.

Role Overview

• Lead the development and delivery of robust consenting strategies across a diverse property and infrastructure portfolio.
• Provide early-stage desktop screening and planning advice to internal teams, outlining risks, opportunities, timelines, and routes to securing consents.
• Assist in engaging and managing external consultants, including defining clear scopes and ensuring high standards of output.
• Build and maintain relationships with statutory bodies and local, regional, and national stakeholders.
• Track planning policy changes and feed back implications for project strategy and delivery.

Key Deliverables

• All third-party consents and planning permissions secured to support business and project objectives.
• Compliance with health and safety and regulatory requirements, including CDM and BREEAM where relevant.
• Strategic input to depot electrification and smaller capital works, ensuring professional standards and timely delivery.

Person Specification

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in town planning or consents for major development projects.
• Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline; RTPI membership (or working towards) preferred.
• Strong ability to challenge, influence, and advise stakeholders to ensure sound planning decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in heritage consent management would be an advantage.

This is a high-impact role in a business that’s investing ambitiously in the future of its operations, assets, and services. If you’re ready to guide change across a complex and fast-evolving estate, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Organisation

This role sits within a major UK transport group known for delivering over a billion passenger journeys annually across bus and rail networks. With operations spanning the UK and internationally, the organisation is committed to innovation, sustainability, and community-focused service. Its values centre on reliability, accessibility, and continuous improvement — making it a trusted partner to local authorities and a vital contributor to public transport infrastructure