Graduate/Assistant or Planner

Avison Young; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global advisory firm in Manchester is seeking a Planning Consultant to deliver expert planning advice on diverse development projects. The role involves managing complex planning instructions, performing diligent research, and liaising with local authorities. Ideal candidates possess strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills. Join our commitment to diversity and inclusion in a leading firm focused on social value.

Qualifications

• A member or working towards being a member of a planning body.
• Inquisitorial nature and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal communication and report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver outstanding planning advice on various projects.
• Manage increasingly complex planning instructions.
• Regular reporting and communication with clients.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Education

Membership in Royal Town Planning Institute or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Job description

Overview

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has grown to span 120 locations across 20 countries. We are a global commercial real estate advisory firm focused on making places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact. We offer employees the opportunity to become a Principal and own a share of the business, with voting rights in the company.

Responsibilities

• Working as part of an experienced and driven team to deliver outstanding planning advice on a wide range of development projects and issues.
• Providing first-rate support to more senior team members on complex projects.
• Providing first-rate advice and support to other parts of the business.
• Initially assisting with and then managing planning instructions that become increasingly complex as skills and confidence grow.

Depending on experience, tasks assigned will require:

• Diligent and timely research and analysis;
• Advice that assists in formulating development proposals meeting the Client’s requirements;
• Advice that assesses and weighs opportunities and risks presented by the planning system;
• Recommendations on strategies and programmes for managing local development plans and planning application processes, and for undertaking appropriate action required to address material planning considerations;
• The assembly and management of external consultant teams and internal advisers;
• Diligent and sensitive liaison with local planning authorities and third parties (e.g. statutory consultees, interested people and organisations);
• Regular and frequent reporting to the Client;
• Communication of proposals and arguments electronically, by paper or verbally;
• Negotiations on behalf of the Client enabling achievement of the optimum outcome;
• Adherence to agreed programmes for the delivery of project outputs and advice;
• Regular and frequent assessment of risks which might impact meeting Client objectives; and
• A business-like approach to invoicing and debt management.

The above list summarises main responsibilities to be carried out in the role but is not exhaustive. You may be asked to carry out additional activities.

Qualifications

• A member or working towards being a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Planning & Development Surveyor).
• Inquisitorial and a problem solver; highly analytical and numerate.
• A good verbal communicator with excellent interpersonal skills; good at report writing and presentation; and
• Ambitious and enthusiastic.

Desirable Attributes

• Practical experience of both development management and development plan processes; and
• Private planning practice or public sector (local planning authority) experience.

Our Culture and DEI

At Avison Young, we’ve always put people at the heart of what we do. We value diversity and inclusion and support initiatives such as our Women’s Network and global DEI steering committee to promote access, opportunity and inclusion in our industry. Our culture is underpinned by a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and well-being and aims to empower all employees to thrive, reflect all backgrounds and talents, and feel a sense of belonging.

Equality and Accessibility

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all employees and job applicants equitably. We implement strategies that advance underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers. We are Disability Confident and can provide adjustments for applicants as needed. If you need accommodations, please contact [e-mail]. Some roles may be remote and some office-based; you will need the right to work in the UK.