Senior / Principal / Associate Town Planner – Infrastructure & DCO Projects

Location: Flexible / Hybrid Working Available
Salary: Competitive + Benefits Package

About the Opportunity

An established planning and infrastructure consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior, Principal or Associate Town Planner to join its growing infrastructure planning team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated planning professional to play a key role in the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects across the UK.

The successful candidate will work on a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure schemes, with a particular focus on projects requiring consent through the Development Consent Order (DCO) regime. The role offers exposure to high-profile projects across sectors including energy, transport, water, utilities and other nationally significant infrastructure developments.

The Role

You will be responsible for supporting and leading planning workstreams throughout the lifecycle of major infrastructure projects, from early feasibility and strategy development through to examination and post-consent delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and coordinating planning inputs for DCO and other infrastructure consenting projects.
• Preparing and reviewing planning strategies, policy appraisals, consultation materials and application documentation.
• Advising clients on planning risks, opportunities and consenting pathways.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary project teams and external stakeholders.
• Supporting stakeholder engagement, consultation and examination processes.
• Managing client relationships and contributing to business development activities.
• Mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Contributing to bids, tenders and strategic growth initiatives.

About You

Candidates should possess:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligibility for membership.
• Significant experience within planning consultancy, infrastructure development, local government or a related environment.
• Strong understanding of the Planning Act 2008 and the DCO process.
• Experience working on major infrastructure projects and complex consenting strategies.
• Excellent report writing, project management and communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Commercial awareness and a client-focused approach.

Desirable Experience

• Experience acting as Planning Lead on DCO projects.
• Examination and hearing experience.
• Knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes.
• Experience across energy, transport, water, utilities or major development sectors.
• Team leadership and business development experience (particularly for Associate-level applicants).

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to work on nationally significant and industry-leading infrastructure projects.
• Clear career progression opportunities.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.