Job Description
Senior / Associate Planner
Location: Oxford
Full Time · Permanent
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior or Associate Planner to join a well‑established Planning team based in Oxford. You will be part of a fully integrated regional Planning and Development function, working alongside a diverse group of planning professionals who collaborate across multiple sectors throughout the South and South West.
This role offers the chance to work on a wide variety of planning projects, support fee generation, strengthen existing client relationships, and contribute to the ongoing growth and performance of the team. Clients are varied and include major institutions, public‑sector bodies, and national and regional developers.
A competitive salary and benefits package is offered, including 25 days of annual leave, pension contribution, life assurance and a suite of flexible benefits such as health cash plans, dental cover, cycle‑to‑work schemes, and opportunities to purchase additional annual leave.
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide professional planning advice across a broad range of planning matters.
2. Undertake negotiations with local authorities and statutory bodies on behalf of clients.
3. Prepare written representations, support informal hearings, and contribute to appeal work including public inquiries.
4. Represent clients through written and oral evidence at Local Plan examinations.
5. Assess and advise on the planning potential of development sites.
6. Prepare development layouts and assist with design inputs where required.
7. Prepare and submit planning applications and associated documentation.
8. Produce statutory declarations and applications for Certificates of Lawfulness.
9. Prepare planning appeal statements and grounds for appeal.
10. Work collaboratively with colleagues across related service lines to deliver integrated advice and solutions for clients.
About You
The ideal candidate will:
11. Be RTPI Chartered with significant post‑qualification experience in a consultancy and/or local authority environment.
12. Possess strong working knowledge of the planning system and a desire to deepen expertise in the local market.
13. Be comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
14. Have experience preparing for and attending client meetings, providing clear, confident advice.
15. Demonstrate excellent communication skills, strong organisational ability, and a proactive, positive approach.
16. Be ambitious, motivated, and enthusiastic about ongoing professional development.
Why Join?
You will be joining a progressive consultancy with a strong focus on professional growth, flexible working and long‑term career development. The organisation offers:
17. A competitive rewards package including pension, flexible benefits and referral schemes.
18. Supportive policies that promote work-life balance, including agile/flexible working options.
19. A commitment to learning and development, encouraging everyone to maximise their potential.
20. A culture built on collaboration, quality and client service, demonstrated by a high rate of repeat business.
21. An environment that values diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity for all employees.
Apply Now
If you are an experienced Planner looking for the next step in your career, we would welcome a confidential conversation.