Principal Town Planner

Arcadis; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in sustainable design and consultancy solutions is seeking a Principal Town Planner in Manchester. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in the UK planning system to lead projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and support the growth of planning capabilities. The position offers the opportunity to work on challenging projects that require strong communication and project management skills, with a commitment to improving quality of life and environmental sustainability.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering planning consents across multiple regimes.
• Experience in consulting and negotiating with planning authorities.
• Practical working knowledge of the UK planning system.

Responsibilities

• Desk studies, research and report writing including Planning and Design Statements.
• Assisting with preparation of consent applications and advising on planning aspects.
• Project management with effective budgetary control.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Networking

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

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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 work closely with others in our integrated Planning and Environmental team.

As part of our Environmental team, you'll help improve quality of life. With your specialization in environmental management, or your technical or sustainability expertise, your work could involve protected species, pollution, surface water and materials management, air quality or noise. And 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're feeling the effects of climate change, rapid urbanization, and loss of biodiversity. The rate at which we're seeing large-scale, unforeseen events such as floods and wildfires is becoming more frequent. We are here to protect our natural environment and water resources, while powering our world for future generations.

We specialize in providing our clients with advice and support on development proposals through all stages of the planning process—from early project feasibility and appraisal of options, through public consultation, application preparation, supporting public inquiries and examinations where required, 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 on 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 budgetary control on projects.
4. Liaising with internal and external clients and statutory bodies, and public consultation, as necessary.
5. Building good internal relationships through responsiveness and a commercial approach.
6. Supporting the growth of the planning and consenting capability at Arcadis.
7. Providing planning advice and support to clients, project managers, and colleagues.
8. Engaging with consultees and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience:

We are looking for experience of 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. You will have experience in business development as well as project delivery and be experienced at working in a multi-disciplinary environment.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven track record of delivering planning consents which may include projects across multiple consenting regimes including Development Consent Orders, Transport and Works Act Orders, Town and Country Planning Act, Hybrid Bill etc.
• Experience across multiple sectors and all stages of the planning and consenting process.
• Ability to establish a strong internal and external network to support the successful delivery of projects.
• First-class communication, interpersonal, relationship-building, collaboration, and influencing skills.
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and matrix management organizations on major projects and programs.
• Practical working knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting process.
• Experience in consulting and negotiating with planning authorities, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification, preferably with chartered RTPI status or working towards it.