Property & Planning Advisor (Job Ref. 126)

Sentry; Kent (OR); On-site; USD 73,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Sentry is seeking a Planning and Development Advisor to drive its Land and Property division forward. You will lead planning applications, advise on development opportunities, and support diversification for clients across rural and urban property matters.

The role involves mentoring colleagues, identifying new business, and managing planning cases from instruction to determination. Travel across regions is expected to build strong client relationships and deliver practical planning advice.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning, Planning, Surveying or a related discipline.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to professional development and up-to-date planning knowledge.
• Willingness to travel to clients when required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advise clients on planning applications and development opportunities.
• Prepare and manage Permitted Development and full planning applications.
• Provide planning appraisals, site assessments and strategy advice.
• Manage planning cases end-to-end from instruction to determination.
• Liaise with Local Planning Authorities, statutory consultees and other stakeholders.
• Advise on planning conditions, obligations, appeals and enforcement as appropriate.
• Support growth of Sentry’s planning and development service and generate new work.

Skills

Town planning knowledge

Client management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Travel readiness

Education

Town planning degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Role

• To help drive the Land and Property division forward, with a particular focus on developing and delivering Sentry’s planning and development advice.
• To provide planning expertise across the business and support the development of colleagues, including mentoring where appropriate.
• To identify and bring in new business, particularly planning, development and diversification opportunities.
• To support existing clients in growing their businesses through planning, development, diversification and wider property advice.

Key Responsibilities

Planning and Diversification

• Lead and advise clients on planning applications, development opportunities and alternative income streams.
• Prepare, manage and advise on Permitted Development applications, full planning applications, pre-application enquiries and general development matters.
• Provide planning appraisals, site assessments and advice on development potential and planning strategy.
• Manage planning cases from initial client instruction through submission, determination and post-decision matters, as appropriate.
• Liaise and negotiate with Local Planning Authorities, statutory consultees, agents, technical consultants and other stakeholders.
• Advise on planning conditions, obligations, appeals and enforcement matters where appropriate.
• Support the growth of Sentry’s planning and development service, including identifying opportunities within the existing client base and generating new work.

Utility Works and Compensation Claims

• Overseeing National projects on behalf of clients and supervision of contractors.
• Measurement, calculation, and submission of compensation and disturbance claims.
• Working with the Land and Property team to fulfil Utility Contracts in particular Anglian Water.

Commercial Management

• Commercial management, overseeing a number of light industrial, workshop units, offices, container storage sites on behalf of clients.
• Responsible for the marketing through Rightmove and other avenues, and the subsequent compliance and agreement structuring.

Estate Management

• Overseeing Farms and Estates as fixed fee management work. This may include managing environmental schemes within a farming business.
• Provide professional advice to clients on rural property management, including landlord and tenant matters, valuations, and diversification.
• Contribute to business development and client relationships.

Other Responsibilities

• Assisting the company’s management team and farm managers with specific projects.
• Any other tasks that may be required of you to fulfil your role and assist the team.
• You will be required to travel predominantly around East Anglia, although occasionally nationwide, which may necessitate nights away from home.

Training Plans

This role offers on-the-job training.Sentryoperatesa range oftraining coursesforstaff membersandmanagersatall levels.

• A Personal Development Plan (PDP) will be developed within the first six months of employment
• Training will include a combination of internal learning, external courses and on-the-job experience
• The role provides exposure to a wide range of rural, environmental and infrastructure projects across the UK

Sentry is an Employee-Owned company and actively encourages employee participation in the business. Staff are invited to engage in the Employee Forum, and employees have the opportunity to become direct ownership shareholders.

Sentry has a long history of supporting successful careers and professional development, and we encourage employees to recognise and develop their long-term potential within the business.

Essential

Skills & Experience

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning, Planning, Surveying or another relevant discipline.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Competent in Microsoft Office
• Commitment to continued professional development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation and policy.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• Punctual, dependable and accountable for work
• Maintain professional behaviour in the workplace
• Able to adjust to changing priorities and work environments
• Willingness to travel to clients when required
• Demonstrable professional experience in town planning or development management.
• Ability to provide clear, commercially focused planning advice to clients and colleagues.

Desirable

• Strong experience of the planning system, including development management, planning applications and development advice.
• RTPI membership/accreditation, or working towards chartered membership. RICS/CAAV qualifications would also be beneficial for the wider property role.
• Experience of mentoring, coaching or supporting the development of junior colleagues.
• Experience of managing complex planning cases and coordinating multi-disciplinary projects.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills, including negotiation with Local Planning Authorities, consultants and other parties.
• Confidence working in both office and site-based environments