Principal to Associate Town Planner

Cobalt Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Competitive salary and benefits

Career progression & development

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is working with a leading planning and development consultancy to recruit a Principal Strategic Land Town Planner. You will lead on strategic land opportunities across the UK, guiding landowners, developers and investors through the planning system to unlock value.

The role offers exposure to major schemes, Local Plan representations, and ongoing business development. You will mentor juniors and contribute to growing the Strategic Land & Development team in a collaborative,

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualified or working towards chartered status with significant relevant experience.
• Proven experience promoting strategic land through the UK planning system.
• Strong understanding of planning policy, Local Plan preparation and site allocation processes.

Responsibilities

• Leading the promotion of strategic land opportunities through Local Plans and the wider planning process.
• Managing a portfolio of landowner and developer clients, providing strategic advice on land promotion and development potential.
• Preparing and overseeing representations to Local Plans, call for sites submissions, examinations and planning appeals.
• Identifying and assessing new strategic land opportunities, undertaking planning appraisals and development assessments.
• Developing land promotion strategies to maximise site allocation and planning success.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary project teams, including planning, technical and environmental consultants.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, local authorities and key stakeholders.
• Supporting business development initiatives, networking activities and new client opportunities.
• Mentoring and supporting junior members of the team.
• Contributing to the ongoing growth and success of the Strategic Land and Development business.

Skills

Report writing

Presentation

Communication

Project management

Client relationships

Business development

Mentoring

Team leadership

Education

MRTPI qualification or in progress

Job description

An established and highly regarded planning and development consultancy is seeking a Principal Strategic Land Town Planner to join its growing Strategic Land and Development team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the promotion and delivery of major development opportunities across the UK, working alongside some of the industry's most experienced planning and development professionals.

The successful candidate will lead on a diverse portfolio of strategic land projects, supporting landowners, developers and investment partners in unlocking development potential and securing long-term value through the planning system. The role offers exposure to projects ranging from strategic urban extensions and new settlements to employment and mixed-use developments.

This position would suit an experienced strategic land professional looking to take on greater responsibility, manage key client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of a market-leading consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the promotion of strategic land opportunities through Local Plans and the wider planning process.
• Managing a portfolio of landowner and developer clients, providing strategic advice on land promotion and development potential.
• Preparing and overseeing representations to Local Plans, call for sites submissions, examinations and planning appeals.
• Identifying and assessing new strategic land opportunities, undertaking planning appraisals and development assessments.
• Developing land promotion strategies to maximise site allocation and planning success.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary project teams, including planning, technical and environmental consultants.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, local authorities and key stakeholders.
• Supporting business development initiatives, networking activities and new client opportunities.
• Mentoring and supporting junior members of the team.
• Contributing to the ongoing growth and success of the Strategic Land and Development business.

About You

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic land, planning or development and will be comfortable managing projects and client relationships with a high degree of autonomy.

You are likely to demonstrate:

• MRTPI qualified or working towards chartered status with significant relevant experience.
• Proven experience promoting strategic land through the UK planning system.
• Strong understanding of planning policy, Local Plan preparation and site allocation processes.
• Experience advising landowners, developers or promoters on strategic development opportunities.
• Excellent report writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of development and land value drivers.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• The ability to build trusted client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• A collaborative and proactive approach to project delivery.

What's Offered

• The opportunity to join a respected and growing consultancy with a strong track record in strategic land and development.
• Involvement in some of the UK's most significant strategic land and planning projects.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Clear opportunities for progression and professional development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• A genuine platform to influence projects, clients and business growth.