Senior Planner

ZipRecruiter; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A market-leading Town Planning consultancy is seeking an Associate Planning Consultant in Edinburgh. This role involves managing complex projects, mentoring teams, and driving business development to expand their presence in Scotland. The ideal candidate will have an RTPI-accredited qualification and a strong track record in planning systems.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Long-term career progression

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' experience.
• Strong knowledge of Scottish planning systems.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Managing large-scale and complex projects.
• Leading and mentoring junior planners.
• Driving business development and securing new clients.

Skills

Project Management

Commercial Acumen

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

RTPI-accredited degree in Town Planning

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Associate Planning Consultant

Location: Edinburgh, Hybrid

About Us

We are a market-leading, Town Planning consultancy with offices in Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, and London, we provide strategic advice with a commercial focus, securing planning approvals for schemes across renewable energy, infrastructure, retail, leisure, commercial, healthcare, and tourism.

About the Role

This role is ideal for a commercially minded planner who has led major and complex projects, particularly in the energy, retail, and leisure sectors, with strong knowledge of Scottish planning systems.

The successful candidate will work closely with our current Director. We are actively growing our presence in Scotland, and you will be instrumental in driving this expansion, working closely with clients from concept stage through to planning approval.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing large-scale and complex projects.
• Leading and developing a team, mentoring junior planners, and fostering a strong company culture.
• Driving business development – securing new clients, expanding our project portfolio, and strengthening our Scottish and English market presence.
• Navigating the Scottish planning systems, ensuring compliance and successful applications.
• Working with clients from the concept phase through to planning approval, providing strategic advice and direction.
• Liaising with key stakeholders, including clients, local authorities, and external consultants.
• Contributing to the strategic growth of the Edinburgh office and our wider UK operations.

About You

We are looking for a commercially driven, business-minded planner with a background in private sector consultancy.

You should have:

• An RTPI-accredited degree/postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
• A minimum of five years' experience.
• A strong track record of managing complex projects, particularly in energy, retail, and leisure.
• Experience in Scottish planning systems.
• Experience running major projects and managing teams.
• A full driving licence and access to a car.

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary
• Long-term career progression
• Opportunity to lead and shape the Edinburgh office, building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• A role within a respected, growing consultancy that values ambition and commercial acumen.
• Hybrid working.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner who is ready to take the next step in their career, committed to the long haul, and eager to play a key role in growing a successful consultancy.