Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Associate Town Planner to take a leading role in delivering major planning projects secured by the Lead Director. The role will focus on strategic residential, commercial, industrial, logistics, and data centre developments across the UK.
This position offers the opportunity to lead high-profile schemes, manage key client relationships, and play a central role in the continued growth of the planning team.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership
* Lead and manage major planning applications and site promotions across:
* Strategic residential and mixed-use developments
* Commercial and town centre schemes
* Industrial and logistics projects
* Data centre developments
* Oversee project programming, budgets, and risk management.
* Coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams including EIA, transport, heritage, and environmental specialists.
* Prepare and review Planning Statements, strategy documents, and supporting reports.
* Lead on planning appeals, hearings, and inquiries where required.
Client & Stakeholder Management
* Act as the primary day-to-day client contact on projects secured by the Lead Director.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, land promoters, investors, and institutional clients.
* Engage effectively with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, and key stakeholders.
* Support ongoing client account management and repeat business opportunities.
Business Development
* Assist in the preparation of fee proposals, tenders, and pitch presentations.
* Identify opportunities for growth within the strategic residential, logistics, industrial, and data centre sectors.
* Contribute to thought leadership and sector positioning.
Leadership & Team Development
* Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior planners.
* Support quality assurance processes across the planning team.
* Contribute to team resourcing, recruitment, and succession planning.
Candidate Profile
* MRTPI qualified.
* Significant experience within a planning consultancy, developer, or multidisciplinary environment.
* Proven track record delivering strategic residential, commercial, industrial, logistics, or data centre projects.
* Strong understanding of the UK planning system and policy framework.
* Experience managing complex major applications and consultant teams.
* Commercially aware with experience overseeing project budgets.
Key Attributes
* Strategic and solutions-focused.
* Confident communicator with strong report-writing skills.
* Skilled negotiator with local authorities.
* Organised and capable of managing multiple high-value projects.
* Leadership capability with a collaborative approach.
* Commercially minded and client-focused.