Associate Town Planner

TN United Kingdom; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Planning Consultant to join a dynamic team in Manchester. This role offers the chance to work on impactful projects that shape sustainable infrastructure and development. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in planning law and project management to deliver high-quality advice and strategies. With a strong commitment to equality and diversity, the company fosters an inclusive environment where innovative ideas thrive. Join a forward-thinking consultancy that values professional growth and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

25 days of leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive training portfolio

Options to buy or sell leave

Qualifications

• Chartered RTPI membership is essential for this role.
• Experience in local authority planning or consultancy is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare applications for various planning permissions.
• Develop planning strategies and provide high-quality advice.
• Build client networks and manage project inputs.

Skills

Town and Country Planning

Planning Law

Project Budget Management

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Report Writing

Presentation Skills

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning

Postgraduate Qualification in Planning

Job description

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Welcome to AtkinsRéalis. AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s leading multi-disciplinary consultancy firms offering unparalleled opportunities for talented individuals in search of a rewarding career. We offer more than just a job—an opportunity to make a difference and shape the world for future generations and the environment. We have a strong ethos of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Join one of the UK's leading planning consultancies at the forefront of thought leadership in sustainable infrastructure and development, from Net Zero to ESG, Biodiversity Net Gain, and digital transformation. Our focus is on outcomes for clients facing unprecedented challenges such as climate change, social inclusion, and rapid urbanization. Our work influences how clients think, enabling better decisions and project delivery amid disruption and change. Collaboration is our core strength, fostering great ideas from talented people.

We are seeking an experienced Planning Consultant at Principal/Associate level to expand our successful team of Planning and Environmental Consultants in the North of England. Our team (approximately 600 members) is based across the UK, including Manchester, Warrington, Leeds, Sheffield, York, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast, Cardiff, Epsom, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London.

Our team is a leading planning and environmental assessment consultancy, pioneering thought leadership in planning, infrastructure delivery, and digital data support. We influence government policy and provide planning advice to UK central and devolved governments, agencies, local authorities, landowners, utilities, and the private sector.

Our work is integrated with transport, energy, engineering, and design sectors. Current projects include support for water companies like Yorkshire Water and Anglian Water, major rail projects for Network Rail and HS2, significant road schemes for National Highways, and development schemes for Homes England. We also advise local authorities on growth projects and are expanding in energy and renewables, including hydrogen generation, electricity transmission, and offshore wind. Additionally, we provide strategic planning advice to government bodies and the private sector.

The ideal candidate will have an excellent planning track record, experience in delivering infrastructure and development projects, and strong business and people skills.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare applications for a range of planning permissions, including support for TCPA, DCOs, and TWA Orders.
• Develop and implement planning strategies to deliver projects and proposals, providing high-quality advice, reports, and presentations based on robust analysis.
• Produce evidence base studies and site appraisals supporting policy development, planning consent, and master planning, capable of withstanding scrutiny.
• Draft, review, and check supporting reports; negotiate planning submissions through the consenting process.
• Build client networks, collaborate across AtkinsRéalis to win work through tenders and bids, and manage project inputs from technical disciplines and external consultants.

Requirements:

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town and Country Planning (RTPI accredited) with Chartered RTPI membership.
• Relevant experience in consultancy, local authority planning, or similar roles.
• Deep knowledge of planning law and procedures, commercial awareness, and project budget management skills.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary projects, coordinating technical specialists, and strong report writing, presentation, and discussion skills.
• Ability to develop relationships with stakeholders, review complex documents, and communicate key issues clearly to non-specialists.

Training:

AtkinsRéalis offers a comprehensive training portfolio and development activities, reviewed annually through appraisals.

What we offer:

We support flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs, promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce with a healthy work-life balance. Our benefits include a competitive salary, 25 days of leave plus bank holidays, and options to buy or sell leave. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and qualifications. You can learn more about our benefits at YourReward at SNC-Lavalin (snclavalin.com).

We are committed to developing our people and supporting professional growth, including achieving relevant memberships.

Additional Information:

This role may require security clearance, contingent upon obtaining the necessary level. The vetting process is managed by UKSV and may require proof of UK residency for the past five years. Please do not mention or include details of security clearance in your application.

We promote a diverse, inclusive community where everyone can thrive. We offer family-friendly policies, flexible working, and employee networks to support staff from all backgrounds. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, valuing applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.