Planning Senior Associate

JMC Legal Recruitment; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is recruiting a Planning Senior Associate in Manchester for a Top 25 international firm. The role offers exposure to landmark infrastructure projects and a clear path toward partnership.

You will work within a Tier 1 Planning team, handling development consent orders, collaboration with transport and energy sectors, and high-profile client instruction. The ideal candidate has 5+ years PQE in Planning, a commercially minded approach, and a collaborative nature to mentor

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE in Planning law
• Proven experience handling complex planning matters for significant clients
• Commercially minded and client-focused, with strong communication skills
• A natural collaborator who supports junior colleagues and team development

Responsibilities

• Handle development consent orders, section 106 agreements, and land assembly strategies.
• Work on complex multi-disciplinary projects and public inquiries.
• Provide strategic advisory to clients and contribute to team growth.
• Collaborate with partners and infrastructure practices to access top-tier work

Skills

5+ years PQE in Planning

Commercially-minded

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Planning Senior Associate | 5+ Years PQE | Top 25 International | Manchester

If you are a senior Planning lawyer looking for a genuine step up in the quality and profile of your work, this is worth your attention. A Tier 1 ranked team, a Top 25 international platform and some of the most significant planning and infrastructure projects in the country, all based from Manchester.

About the Firm

Recognised globally as one of the leading law firms, this Top 25 international firm holds numerous Tier 1 Legal 500 rankings across multiple practice areas and is renowned for nurturing some of the world's most respected legal talent. The firm combines cutting-edge legal innovation with a genuinely welcoming and supportive working culture.

Despite its global stature and impressive workload, the firm places real emphasis on work-life balance and has built an inclusive environment where lawyers feel genuinely valued and are actively supported in taking ownership of their own career progression. Professional development is taken seriously here, with clear and structured pathways that reward ambition and hard work.

The Work

You will join a Tier 1 Legal 500 Planning team that works at the very top of the market, sitting alongside one of the firm's most celebrated Infrastructure practices. That collaboration gives you access to a client base and a quality of instruction that few Planning teams anywhere in the country can match, with particular strength across transport, energy and the green energy transition.

Day to day the work is broad and genuinely stimulating. Development consent orders, section 106 agreements, land assembly strategy, public inquiries and complex multi-disciplinary projects are all a regular feature of the caseload. You will operate with real responsibility, work alongside some of the best Planning lawyers in the business and play a meaningful role in matters that shape the built environment at a national level.

What We Are Looking For

• A qualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE in Planning law
• Proven experience handling complex planning matters for significant clients, ideally at a top-tier or international firm
• Commercially minded and client-focused, with strong communication skills
• A natural collaborator who enjoys supporting junior colleagues and contributing to the wider development of the team

What You Will Get

• A senior role within one of the country's most highly regarded Planning teams
• Exposure to landmark projects spanning multiple sectors and jurisdictions
• A clear and structured pathway towards partnership for the right candidate
• Genuine flexibility and a culture that supports a sustainable working life
• Market leading salary, strong bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package

To find out more, contact Joe Bryant at [e-mail] or call 07441 937590