Associate Planner

PEBBLE RECRUITMENT LTD; Ringway; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national planning consultancy in Ringway is looking for an experienced Associate Planner to manage high-profile projects, support directors, and provide client advisory services. The role demands strong project management skills, planning expertise, and a future-focused approach on regulatory compliance. Candidates should have a relevant degree and RTPI Charter, alongside a proven track record in client-facing roles. This opportunity offers competitive remuneration, bonuses, and development prospects in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual performance-based bonus

Pension contributions

Private healthcare

Professional membership fees

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Track record in successful development consent applications under planning acts.
• Understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• Significant experience within consultancy or local authority.

Responsibilities

• Support Directors in delivering complex projects.
• Lead and manage planning applications.
• Prepare planning appraisals and draft reports.
• Conduct planning policy analysis and research.
• Liaise with authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Client-facing work

Project management

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Relevant degree

Chartered Membership of the RTPI

Job description

Associate Planner | Greater Manchester

Competitive Salary Plus Benefits | Permanent

Ref: DB092

An established, independent planning consultancy with a strong UK presence is looking to appoint an experienced Associate Planner to join its growing Manchester team. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded planner to take a lead role on high-profile projects, provide trusted advice to clients, and contribute to the ongoing growth of a well-respected planning practice.

Associate Planner Responsibilities

• Supporting Directors in the delivery of major and complex projects
• Leading and managing medium to large-scale planning applications
• Preparing planning appraisals for land, buildings and development concepts
• Drafting planning reports, applications, policy notes and representations
• Undertaking detailed research and planning policy analysis
• Liaising with local planning authorities, statutory consultees and third parties
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and professional teams
• Developing creative and pragmatic planning solutions
• Taking financial responsibility for medium-sized projects from inception to completion
• Keeping up to date with changes in planning policy and practice
• Attending industry events and delivering presentations where required

Associate Planner Requirements

This role will suit an experienced planner who enjoys client-facing work, thrives on responsibility, and is confident managing projects and stakeholders.

• A strong track record supporting or leading successful development consent applications under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and/or Planning Act 2008
• A relevant degree and Chartered Membership of the RTPI
• A solid understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its role within the planning process
• Significant experience within consultancy, local authority or a similar environment
• A strong grasp of planning principles and development management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence presenting to clients, officers and stakeholders
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with creative thinking ability

Why?

This is a genuine career progression opportunity offering exposure to a diverse and high-quality project portfolio, working alongside highly regarded planning professionals and prestigious clients.

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Pension contributions
• Private healthcare
• Professional membership fees
• Opportunities for career development and progression
• Flexible working options, including a blend of home and office-based work
• A supportive, employee-focused ownership structure with additional associated benefits

Interested? Please email your CV to Dina Bunkheila.