We are seeking an experienced Town Planner to join Anglian Water as our Growth Planning Lead. In this role, you will lead the team responsible for responding to planning applications, alongside managing a portfolio of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). You will play a pivotal role in shaping how we plan for and deliver sustainable growth across our region.
This is a tactical role focused on ensuring that future demand, development and infrastructure requirements are effectively planned, coordinated and delivered in line with our business priorities, while protecting existing customers and the environment.
You’ll be at the forefront of responding to planning applications including NSIPs and Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAO), acting as a consultee and key contact for developers and stakeholders. Your work will help ensure water and water recycling infrastructure can support future growth, while driving strategic insight across the business.
You’ll work across teams to balance growth, capacity and performance, ensuring our services continue to meet the needs of customers, communities and regulators.
Lead the tactical planning team ensuring planning applications are responded to effectively
Manage a caseload of NSIP and TWAO applications ensuring responses protect Anglian Water assets, our customers and the environment
Represent Anglian Water at examinations, inquiries, and relevant industry forums
Work with internal stakeholders to align growth priorities with operational and investment plans
Provide insight and challenge to ensure growth strategies are deliverable and efficient
Support regulatory and business planning processes with robust growth data and analysis
Oversee performance relating to growth planning activities and identify areas for improvement
Act as a key interface between planning, operations, developers and stakeholders
Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, tools and ways of working
Degree in a planning-related discipline (essential)
Postgraduate planning qualifications and/or Chartered Member/Associate of the Royal Town Planning Institute (essential)
Proven experience in town and country planning, particularly development management
Strong advocacy, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
Strong people management skills
Strong understanding of growth, capacity planning or network management
Ability to influence and work across multiple stakeholders
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
Confident communicator (written, verbal and presentations skills) with the ability to challenge constructively
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment
Desirable: Experience within utilities or regulated sectors.
At Anglian Water, we’re driven by purpose — keeping essential services running today while protecting the environment for future generations. In this role, you’ll play a key part in shaping how we plan for growth across our region, working on strategic challenges with real impact. You’ll collaborate with teams across the business, develop your capability in a complex planning environment and be part of a supportive, forward-thinking organisation.
26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with length of service)
Flexible working options
Personal Private health care
Competitive pension scheme – Anglian Water double-matches contributions up to 7%
Costs covered for one Professional Membership
Life assurance at 8x your salary
Personal Accident cover – up to 5x your salary
Annual bonus scheme
Potential funded car allowance depending on evidenced business mileage
Personal medical assessments
Virtual GP service
Cancer screening
Financial wellbeing support and salary finance benefits
Lifestyle savings including discounts on retail, travel and utilities
Employee Assistance Programme
Opportunity to volunteer and do unpaid work in the community
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We are proud signatories of the Social Mobility Pledge, Race at Work Charter and Armed Forces Covenant, and we’re a Disability Confident employer.
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