Senior Town Planner

Vivid Resourcing; Chesterfield; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivid Resourcing seeks a Senior Town Planner for a Derby-based planning consultancy to join a growing team. You will manage a varied portfolio across residential and commercial projects, advising clients from initial appraisal through to applications and appeals.

Take ownership of strategies, liaise with Local Planning Authorities, and support junior colleagues in a collaborative, hybrid-working environment with regular client contact.

Qualifications

• Several years' experience in town planning, ideally in private-sector consultancy.
• Strong development management and/or strategic planning experience.
• Proven track record of managing planning applications successfully.
• Experience dealing with Local Planning Authorities and external consultants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied portfolio of planning projects from inception to determination.
• Prepare and submit planning applications and supporting documentation.
• Provide planning advice to private-sector clients and develop strategies.
• Conduct site appraisals and development feasibility work.
• Promote sites through Local Plans and other processes.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams and client meetings.
• Prepare representations, appeals and planning submissions.
• Liaise with planning officers, consultees and stakeholders.
• Assist with Section 106 negotiations and planning obligations.
• Support junior team members with knowledge sharing.

Skills

Town planning experience

Client liaison

Project management

Written communication

Verbal communication

UK planning knowledge

Education

MRTPI desirable

Job description

Senior Town Planner

Location: Derby

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Working Pattern: Full-time, hybrid/flexible working available

The Opportunity

We are working with an established and growing planning consultancy based in Derby to recruit a Senior Town Planner to join its expanding planning team.

The consultancy works across a diverse range of development projects, with particular strengths across residential, commercial, energy, minerals and waste. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of projects, advising clients from initial site appraisal and development strategy through to planning applications, appeals and implementation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner looking to take the next step in their career within a collaborative consultancy where you will have genuine responsibility for your own projects and regular client contact.

The Role

As a Senior Town Planner, you will:

• Manage a varied portfolio of planning projects from inception through to determination and implementation.
• Prepare and submit planning applications and supporting planning documentation.
• Provide planning advice to private-sector clients and help develop appropriate planning strategies.
• Undertake site appraisals and development feasibility work.
• Promote sites through Local Plans and other development plan processes.
• Manage pre-application discussions and negotiations with Local Planning Authorities.
• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Prepare and coordinate representations, appeals and other planning submissions.
• Liaise with planning officers, consultees, stakeholders and other interested parties.
• Assist with Section 106 negotiations and other planning obligations.
• Attend meetings with clients and Local Planning Authorities.
• Contribute to business development and help develop existing client relationships.
• Support more junior members of the team and share technical planning knowledge.

About You

We are looking for an experienced planner who can demonstrate:

• Several years' experience working within town planning, ideally within a private-sector consultancy environment.
• Strong experience across development management and/or strategic planning.
• A proven track record of successfully managing planning applications.
• Experience dealing with Local Planning Authorities and external consultants.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and client requirements.
• Commercial awareness and confidence dealing directly with clients.
• A good understanding of the UK planning system and relevant legislation and policy.
• Experience of residential or commercial development would be particularly advantageous.
• MRTPI status, or a clear route towards chartership, is desirable.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunity to work on a genuinely varied project portfolio.
• Strong exposure to private-sector development and strategic planning.
• Career progression within an established and expanding consultancy.
• A collaborative working environment with experienced planning professionals.
• Regular client interaction and the opportunity to take ownership of projects.
• Professional development and support towards continued career progression.

Interested?

If you're an experienced Town Planner looking for a role offering greater responsibility, varied projects and the opportunity to develop your career within a well-established consultancy, we'd be keen to hear from you.