Associate or Associate Director - Town Planning

Stantec; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid / Flexible working

Competitive salary

Bonus schemes

Private medical insurance

Pension plan

Life assurance

Job summary

Stantec in Manchester is seeking a Planning Associate or Planning Associate Director to join the award-winning Town Planning team. MRTPI-qualified planners with strong experience in energy and infrastructure projects are encouraged to apply; you will help shape key developments and mentor junior staff while building client relationships across the UK.

The role focuses on promoting renewable energy developments, coordinating DCO/ICO examination processes, leading Local Plan and planning

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualification required or equivalent.
• Experience in consultancy with energy/infrastructure projects preferred.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Willingness to travel UK-wide and manage client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Promote large-scale renewable energy developments through various consenting regimes.
• Coordinate DCO/ICO examination processes and attend hearings when needed.
• Lead promotion of residential, mixed-use, and other developments via Local Plans and planning applications.
• Conduct site research and appraisals for diverse clients.
• Prepare and lodge appeals and participate in Informal Hearings.
• Build and nurture lasting client relationships.
• Contribute to business development in the North-West and national energy/infrastructure clients.
• Coordinate internal/external project teams with quality assurance.
• Share line management responsibilities and mentor junior staff.

Skills

MRTPI qualification

Planning experience

Energy & infrastructure projects

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring junior team

Job description

Ready to make an impact? Join our award-winning Town Planning team in the heart of Manchester as an Associate or Associate Director.

Are you an ambitious, MRTPI-qualified Town Planner with strong planning experience, ideally including energy and infrastructure projects? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your initiative is encouraged and your contributions are recognised? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a Planning Associate or Planning Associate Director to join our growing Manchester team.

About The Role:

Our team works on a diverse portfolio of high-quality projects, making a tangible difference to communities across the UK. You'll be instrumental in planning and delivering a wide range of developments, with a growing focus on our energy and infrastructure client base, including DCO/NSIP, ICO/SIP (in Wales), and major TCPA work. You will also be involved in significant residential, commercial, and strategic site projects, fostering new and existing client relationships and playing a key role in mentoring our junior team members.

Your Impact:

• Promoting large-scale renewable energy developments through various consenting regimes.
• Contributing to the coordination of projects through the DCO and ICO examination processes, including potential appearances at hearings.
• Leading the promotion of large to medium-scale residential, mixed-use, employment, and other developments (both brownfield and greenfield) via the Local Plan and planning applications of all sizes and types.
• Conducting thorough research and site appraisals for our diverse client base.
• Preparing and lodging appeals, with the potential to appear at Informal Hearings, including DCO/DNS/ICO hearings and supporting Inquiries.
• Building and nurturing strong, lasting client relationships.
• Actively contributing to raising the team's profile and supporting business development activities across the North-west region and with our national energy and infrastructure clients.
• Effectively coordinating internal and external project teams, ensuring robust project management and quality assurance.
• Sharing line management responsibilities for junior team members of the team, and acting as a mentor.

About You:

• MRTPI qualification.
• Significant planning experience, ideally including within a consultancy setting and with exposure to energy/infrastructure projects.
• Exceptional organisational and project management skills.
• A proactive interest in business growth, including managing client relationships and building a professional network.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex projects.
• A personable and strong team-oriented approach.
• Willingness to travel to project locations, client offices, and other company offices across the UK as required.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car.

Why Join Us:

• We put people first:We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve:Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right:Industry-leading training and development, paid professional subscriptions, and structured career progression opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals.
• We are better together:Join a supportive and collaborative team environment, working alongside industry-leading professionals across civil, environmental, transport, and building disciplines.
• Growth:We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK and internationally, creating opportunities for you to develop and shape your career.
• Great Benefits:Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection, life assurance, discounted gym membership, and much more.
• Hybrid / Flexible working:Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid and flexible working approach.

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