Principal Town Planner

Arcadis; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in sustainable design and consultancy is seeking a Principal Town Planner in Cardiff. The role involves managing projects, delivering planning consents, and collaborating with technical specialists. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the UK planning system and proven experience in project delivery across various sectors.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering planning consents for Development Consent Orders and Town and Country Planning.
• Proven track record across various sectors and planning stages.
• Experience in multi-disciplinary teams on major projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of consent applications and advise on planning aspects.
• Conduct public consultations and liaise with clients and statutory bodies.
• Manage projects with effective budget control.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Relevant Degree

Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

We are looking to recruit a Principal Town Planner, with a good understanding of the UK planning system, to help meet the needs of our clients and projects. You will work collaboratively with a range of technical specialists on a broad range of projects, lead and coordinate projects, work closely with clients, develop new areas of business, and collaborate within our integrated Planning and Environmental team.

As part of our Environmental team, you'll help improve quality of life. Your expertise in environmental management, technical skills, or sustainability could involve work related to protected species, pollution, surface water and materials management, air quality, or noise. This work may take place in some of the world's busiest and most beautiful locations.

We work to protect our natural environment and water resources while powering our world for future generations. Around the world, we are witnessing the effects of climate change, rapid urbanization, and loss of biodiversity. The frequency of large-scale, unforeseen events such as floods and wildfires is increasing. We are here to protect our natural environment and water resources, ensuring a sustainable future.

We specialize in advising and supporting clients on development proposals throughout all stages of the planning process, from early project feasibility and options appraisal, through public consultation, application preparation, supporting public inquiries and examinations, and construction.

Duties of the role will include but are not limited to:

1. Desk studies, research, and report writing including Planning and Design and Access Statements.
2. Assisting with or leading the preparation of consent applications and advising on the planning aspects of complex schemes, which may include Town and Country Planning, Development Consent Order, Transport and Works Act, etc.
3. Project management with effective budget control.
4. Liaising with internal and external clients, statutory bodies, and conducting public consultations as necessary.
5. Building strong internal relationships through responsiveness and a commercial approach.
6. Supporting the growth of planning and consenting capabilities at Arcadis.
7. Providing planning advice and support to clients, project managers, and colleagues.
8. Engaging with consultees and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience:

We are seeking candidates with experience in leading and delivering planning consents, including Development Consent Orders, applications under the Town and Country Planning Act, Hybrid Bills, or applications for Transport and Works Act Orders. Experience in business development, project delivery, and working in a multi-disciplinary environment is essential.

The successful candidate will have:

• A proven track record of delivering planning consents across multiple regimes.
• Experience across various sectors and all planning stages.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong networks to support project delivery.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship-building, collaboration, and influencing skills.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and matrix organizations on major projects.
• Practical knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting processes.
• Experience in consulting and negotiating with authorities, regulators, and stakeholders.
• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification, preferably with RTPI chartered status or working towards it.