Associate Planner - Hiring now! We are an independent and forward-thinking multi-disciplinary consultancy which provides exceptional planning, design, and environmental services across the United Kingdom, underpinned by regional knowledge, service-specific expertise, and strong client relationships.Be part of a leading consultancy that shapes spaces for the better, co-creates social and environmental value, and provides a vibrant workplace full of opportunity.Our culture - find out more The Role:As an Associate you will take a leadership role on planning applications and projects and coordinating and overseeing projects. You will take a role in assisting the Regional Director and Associate Directors in developing the team’s core competencies and continue to extend your technical and mentoring skills.Preparing and submitting planning applications. Preparing written local plan representations. Undertaking site inspections and assessing the merits of proposals. Giving guidance to engineers/architects on the production of drawings and supplementary information in relation to planning submissions. Submitting planning appeals and leading on written representations appeals and contributing to appeal hearings as required. Project managing a mix of planning submissions and appeals Technical planning work including liaising with client, preparing fee proposals, policy research. Understands the importance of financial success and takes responsibility to act in the interest of achieving it. Responsible for interpreting, organising, researching, analysing and executing a major project and / or medium scale projects. Provides fee control, technical direction and effectively manages senior client liaison. Provides guidance on complex technical issues to ensure projects are delivered within budget and on time. Manages medium projects or several small ones with complex features. Negotiation of the best terms for the business including strong awareness and management of legal and contractual aspects. Able to generate a high proportion of their own workload through a good understanding of our market, our services and has a high degree of input into preparation of project proposals. Develops and implements innovative and creative methods to enhance our solutions and overall project outcomes. Responsible for the day-to-day management and wellbeing of team of resource, project, or activity within specifically identified responsibilities. Has a range of management and leadership skills but may have had limited management experience. Maintains a commitment to CPD and is involved in the continuous improvement of the performance of others through a variety of means including mentoring. Performs a variety of complex technical, professional, and commercial activities. Expanding networks and creating relationships with key stakeholders including local authorities Develops good client, contractor and supplier relationships as well as having an internal network of colleagues who they collaborate effectively with to ensure the most successful outcome for the project/client. Demonstrates clear leadership and technical capability with the ability to influence and persuade others at all levels. Able to prepare and present clearly, cogently, and convincingly to a variety of audiences using a variety of different media. Builds and consolidates networks within the industry and across internal network to enhance understanding & knowledge of expertise. Develops and implements innovative and creative methods to enhance our solutions and overall project outcomes. Is an ambassador and ensures a great client experience, whether it is internal or external. Able to generate a high proportion of their own workload through a good understanding of our market, our services and has a high degree of input into preparation of project proposals. Develops and implements innovative and creative methods to enhance our solutions and overall project outcomes. Negotiation of the best terms for the business including strong awareness and management of legal and contractual aspects. Responsible for day-to-day management of section or project budgets including WIP on projects within area of responsibility.Ideally the successful candidate will:An RTPI accredited degree or Masters in a related disciplinePreferably a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or be working towards it.Ideally at least two years’ post qualification experience in a relevant role. At least two years working in the planning industry, in either the public or private sectorExcellent communication skills both written and verbal.Strong client liaison abilityStrong negotiation and commercial etiquette Project management skillsStrong report writing skills and experience of delivering recommendationsAdvanced understanding of the UK planning processWe thrive to provide benefits, which benefit including:Looking after your health: Private medical insurance - via vitality healthcare BUPA medical Cash plan Discounted Gym memberships Employee Assistance Program - access to qualified professionals around health and financialImproving your day to day:Enhanced annual leave entitlementLoyalty leave - accruable service daysHybrid working environmentDiscounts on products and perks, such as Amazon Prime, Odeon or VUE, cafe Nero, Apple, Itsu and supermarkets.Continuous reward along the way:A Company bonus scheme - rewarding for growthDefined promotion windows throughout the yearTeam celebration events and socialsProtecting the future:Enhanced company pension, looking after your futureDeath in service cover, securing others futureEnabling your progression:Professional body membership coverExclusive access to E-learning contentProtected CPD time (individual and company)Defined career progression frameworkApply now to find out more!