Senior Consultant or Project Director - Planning Viability
Altair is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Consultant or Project Director (depending on experience) to lead the delivery and growth of our planning viability related services. If you're passionate about affordable housing, commercially astute, and technically skilled in Financial Viability Assessments (FVAs) for planning purposes, we want to hear from you.
The Role
This role involves managing and delivering Altair’s Financial Viability Assessment (FVA) and wider planning viability related services. Acting as an external viability advisor to both local planning authorities and applicants, you will deliver clear, evidence-based assessments to determine the viable level of affordable housing in planning applications.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead on the delivery of FVA services on behalf of local planning authorities and planning applicants
* Provide reports detailing the viability of the delivery of affordable housing
* Liaise with broader FVA project team including quantity surveyors and planning consultants
* Provide rebuttals and viability reviews at early and late planning stages
* Represent clients at public consultations, appeal inquiries and other public examinations
* Respond to requests for FVA related proposals, contribute to marketing activities, identify and target potential new clients and attend pitches
* Track national, regional and local planning and development viability issues and trends
* Lead on the delivery of other planning viability related services provided by Altair including planning viability policy research, for example commuted sums in lieu of on-site provision of affordable housing
* Work with other members of the team to enhance their knowledge and experience of delivering planning viability services
* Support in the delivery of wider development viability assignments such as, market research and analysis, options appraisals and other relevant project work, as required.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
* Relevant degree (e.g. Planning, Real Estate)
* RICS / RTPI membership (or equivalent)
* At least 3 years’ experience delivering and reviewing FVAs for planning applications
* Expert knowledge of development appraisal tools (especially Argus Developer)
* Strong understanding of Section 106 agreements and related case law
* Proven ability to lead client-facing projects and manage multidisciplinary teams
* Excellent analytical and report writing skills
Desirable Experience:
* Preparation of Local Plan Viability Assessments and/or other public sector viability work
* Public inquiry or examination representation
* Experience working with or within local authorities or housing associations
Attributes and Behaviours
We’re looking for someone who:
* Demonstrates high standards and pride in quality work
* Takes ownership and leads with confidence
* Brings insight and adds value through strategic thinking
* Builds strong relationships and works well in teams
* Shows curiosity and innovation in solving problems
* Is passionate about delivering social impact through housing
Why Join Altair?
At Altair, we help clients across the UK create thriving communities through better housing, planning, and regeneration. We offer:
* Flexible working
* Working from home
* Access to Private Medical Scheme
* Benefits of joining Health Shield with contributions towards optical, dental, physiotherapy, reflexology, head massage to name a few.
* Holidays starting at 25 days going up to 30 days
* Death in service from the first day which pays 4 times annual salary
* Pension scheme with a 6% company contribution
* Career development support
* Training and development
* Salary sacrifice electric car leasing scheme
At Altair, we pride ourselves on our open, friendly, and supportive culture. You won’t just be a number here but an individual who matters. Your contributions will be valued and celebrated, making you an integral part of our team.
How to apply
Please send a copy of your CV by an email via the button below with the reference ALT-SC/PD along with a supporting statement (no more than 1,000 words) explaining why you are interested in the role and working for Altair, as well as evidencing your experience and knowledge in relation to the role you are applying for.
While we do not have a formal application deadline, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We will review applications on a rolling basis and contact candidates who meet the requirements for this role.
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