Principal Town Planner

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Town Planner to join their dynamic Environmental team. This role involves leading planning consents, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and providing expert advice on complex projects. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in enhancing quality of life through sustainable design and planning solutions. With a commitment to addressing climate change and urbanization impacts, this position offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects in vibrant locations. If you are passionate about environmental management and have a solid understanding of the UK planning system, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and delivering planning consents, including DCOs.
• Practical knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct desk studies, research, and report writing.
• Manage projects effectively, including budget control.
• Provide planning advice and support to clients and colleagues.

Skills

Project Management

Business Development

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Environmental Management

UK Planning System Knowledge

Education

Relevant Degree

Job description

Job Title: Principal Town Planner

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are a team of over 36,000 people across more than 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play, and together, with the power of curious minds, we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver greater impact.

We are seeking a Principal Town Planner with a solid understanding of the UK planning system to meet the needs of our clients and projects. The successful candidate will collaborate with various technical specialists on a wide range of projects, lead and coordinate project efforts, work closely with clients, develop new business areas, and collaborate within our integrated Planning and Environmental team.

As part of our Environmental team, you'll contribute to enhancing quality of life. Your expertise in environmental management, sustainability, or related technical fields may involve work on protected species, pollution, surface water and materials management, air quality, or noise, often in some of the world's most vibrant and scenic locations.

Our mission is to protect the natural environment and water resources while powering the future. We recognize the increasing impacts of climate change, urbanization, biodiversity loss, and unforeseen events like floods and wildfires, and we are committed to addressing these challenges.

We provide comprehensive advice and support on development proposals throughout all planning stages, including feasibility, public consultation, application preparation, and supporting public inquiries and examinations, as well as construction.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Conduct desk studies, research, and report writing, including preparing Planning and Design and Access Statements.
2. Assist with or lead the preparation of consent applications and advise on complex schemes involving Town and Country Planning, Development Consent Orders, Transport and Works Act, etc.
3. Manage projects effectively, including budget control.
4. Liaise with clients, statutory bodies, and the public, facilitating consultation as needed.
5. Build strong internal relationships through responsiveness and a commercial approach.
6. Support the growth of our planning and consenting capabilities.
7. Provide planning advice and support to clients, project managers, and colleagues.
8. Engage with consultees and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience:

We are looking for candidates with experience leading and delivering planning consents, including Development Consent Orders and applications under the Town and Country Planning Act, Hybrid Bills, or Transport and Works Act Orders. Candidates should have experience in business development, project delivery, and working within multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven track record of delivering planning consents across multiple regimes, including DCOs, TWA Orders, and the Planning Act.
• Experience across various sectors and all planning and consenting stages.
• Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external networks.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and influencing skills.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary 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, preferably with RTPI chartered status or working towards it.