Associate / Associate Director – Development Planning
Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol or London (Hybrid Working)
Competitive salary: £47,000 – £69,220 (plus £4,000 London allowance where applicable)
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Town Planner to join a leading environmental and planning consultancy at Associate or Associate Director level. This role offers the chance to work on a diverse and impactful portfolio of projects across the UK, supporting both public and private sector clients.
The Role
You will act as a senior planning advisor, leading and delivering projects from early feasibility and planning strategy through to securing planning permission and providing post-consent support. You will play an important role within your local team while collaborating with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver integrated solutions across a wide range of sectors.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading planning strategy, feasibility studies, and planning applications
- Managing and delivering a range of development projects, including complex and large-scale schemes
- Building strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and local planning authorities
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members
- Contributing to business development and multidisciplinary project opportunities
- Advising across projects including renewable energy, infrastructure, housing, and mixed-use development
Projects span sectors such as renewable energy (wind, solar, energy storage), education, sport and recreation, historic environments, agriculture and forestry, and residential development.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to work on high-profile and meaningful projects shaping sustainable development
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary working environment
- Employee-owned business offering a stake in the company’s success
- Hybrid working model (minimum two days in the office)
- Strong commitment to flexible working, including part-time options
- Competitive salary: £47,000 – £69,220 (plus £4,000 London allowance where applicable)
About You
- Significant experience in development planning/management, ideally across both public and private sectors
- Proven track record of managing or leading planning applications and development projects, including large or complex schemes
- Strong experience in planning strategy and negotiating with local planning authorities
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills
- High standard of report writing with the ability to present complex issues clearly
- Degree (and ideally postgraduate qualification) in planning or a related discipline
- Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience across sectors such as renewables, infrastructure, housing, or mixed-use development
- Knowledge of wind, solar, and energy infrastructure projects
- Experience with DCO/NSIP (England), DNS (Wales), or Section 36 (Scotland)
- Understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Experience acting as an expert witness at appeals or inquiries
Additional Information
- Full-time hours: 37.5 per week (flexible options available, minimum 30 hours)
- Travel required for site visits, client meetings, and inter-office collaboration
- Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior planner looking to take the next step in their career within a forward-thinking and purpose-driven consultancy.
Apply now or contact Marta – [email protected] / 01792 677 005
