Heritage Planning Associate / Associate Director

Stantec; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Professional development

Competitive benefits

Pension plan

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Heritage Planning Associate to join our specialist Heritage team in the UK. The role involves national work across archaeology and built heritage, collaborating with diverse disciplines, and supporting a growing practice.

The successful candidate will have a heritage consultancy background, relevant archaeology qualifications, and a proactive, commercially minded approach. Hybrid working options are available with the opportunity to develop professionally within a leading

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in archaeology or historic environment.
• Significant professional heritage consultancy experience.
• Full membership of a professional body (CIfA/RTPI or equivalent).
• Willingness to learn, progress and develop professionally.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office packages.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site-specific historical and policy research.
• Identify site-specific heritage planning constraints.
• Prepare and oversee Historic Environment Desk Based Assessments, Heritage Statements, HIA, Planning Statements, and Appeal evidence.
• Prepare fee proposals and tender submissions.
• Develop client relationships and engage with planning authorities, Historic England and stakeholders.
• Mentor and support junior heritage consultants and archaeologists.
• Contribute to business development and work winning.
• Support the Heritage team as required.

Skills

Team collaboration

Commercial mindset

Strong communication

Time management

Business development

Education

Archaeology degree

CIfA/RTPI membership

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and commercially minded Heritage Planning Associate to join our specialist Heritage team, building on our profile and success to date.

The team have enjoyed continued success, establishing a heritage business that is recognised as a leading name in the industry. You will have the opportunity to work on exciting and prestigious projects, delivering high-quality work to our client base.

This role will be based in either of our Manchester, London or Cambridge offices.

You will be working alongside your heritage colleagues and a wealth of other disciplines to undertake national work, predominantly in the Archaeology (and contributing to built heritage work) space supporting colleagues through the UK business as well as an external client base.

You will be enthusiastic, eager to learn and have the capability to help grow the business and your profile in the Heritage / Historic Environment space. In return our commitment is to engage and develop that potential and reward contribution and performance. You will enjoy outstanding professional development and career opportunities in a unique role that combines a personal approach with diverse experience.

Your Impact:

• Conduct site specific historical and policy research
• Identify site specific heritage planning constraints
• Prepare and oversee Historic Environment Desk Based Assessments, Heritage Statements, Heritage Impact Assessments, Planning Statements, and Appeal evidence
• Prepare fee proposals and tender submissions
• Develop client relationships
• Engage with local planning authorities, Historic England, statutory consultees, clients, and project stakeholders
• Mentor and support junior heritage consultants and archaeologists
• Contribute to business development activities, client relationship management, and work winning
• Support the Heritage team as required.

About You:

We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable individual, ideally with private sector experience or a clear ability to transition into that environment. The successful candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong report writing capability, alongside a keen interest in business development and networking. You will be personable, professional, and driven, demonstrating ambition and a proactive, enthusiastic approach in everything you do, while effectively managing your own time and workload.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Have a relevant first degree and/or post-graduate qualification in archaeology, the historic environment or similar
• Significant professional experience within heritage consultancy, local government, Historic England, or a related environment
• Full membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), RTPI, or other relevant professional body.
• Be committed to continuing their professional development with a willingness to learn and progress
• Be proficient with Microsoft packages
• Have excellent team-working skills
• Be commercially minded
• Have sound technical knowledge of heritage planning policy, legislation and best practice guidance
• Have experience of appraising heritage significance and undertaking impact assessments
• Experience providing evidence at inquiries, hearings, or appeals
• Hold a full UK driving licence and are willing to travel nationally.

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 as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups)
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK & Ireland - we want you to be part of it!
• 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 included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
• Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [e-mail] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.