Principal Town Planner

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional development and training

Dynamic and collaborative work culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Town Planner to lead major town planning and development initiatives in Klerksdorp, North West. You will steer strategic spatial plans, manage complex development applications, and advise on SPLUMA and related legislation, while engaging with clients and authorities.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of experience, professional registration with SAPI, and strong leadership and project-management skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning.
• Professional registration with the South African Planning Institute (SAPI) is mandatory.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in town planning.
• In-depth knowledge of SPLUMA and related legislation.
• Proven track record managing complex development applications.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead major town planning and development applications for diverse clients.
• Develop strategic spatial plans and land use schemes.
• Provide expert advice on planning legislation, policy, and feasibility.
• Liaise and negotiate with municipal and provincial authorities.
• Conduct site analyses, impact assessments, and feasibility studies.
• Prepare planning reports, presentations, and submissions.
• Mentor junior staff and manage project timelines.
• Represent clients in tribunals and public participation processes.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Project management

Team management

GIS software

Education

Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning

SAPI registration

Tools

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading urban planning and development consultancy, is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Principal Town Planner to join their vibrant team in Klerksdorp , North West. This senior role is crucial for leading strategic planning initiatives, managing complex development applications, and providing expert advice on land use and spatial development frameworks. You will engage directly with clients, government authorities, and stakeholders to shape the sustainable growth and development of communities. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of South African planning legislation, policy, and best practices, coupled with exceptional analytical, negotiation, and project management skills. This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned planner to take on a leadership position in the Klerksdorp area, contributing significantly to the region’s spatial future and driving forward critical development projects. The role requires a proactive individual dedicated to achieving positive planning outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage major town planning and development applications for a diverse range of clients.
• Develop and implement strategic spatial plans and land use management schemes.
• Provide expert advice and recommendations on planning legislation, policy, and development feasibility.
• Liaise and negotiate effectively with municipal officials, provincial authorities, and other government bodies.
• Conduct thorough site analyses, impact assessments, and feasibility studies.
• Prepare comprehensive planning reports, presentations, and submissions.
• Mentor and guide junior planning staff, fostering professional development.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and client relationships.
• Stay abreast of national and provincial planning policies and emerging trends.
• Represent clients in planning tribunals and public participation processes.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field.
• Professional registration with the South African Planning Institute (SAPI) is mandatory.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in town planning and development facilitation.
• In-depth knowledge of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) and other relevant legislation.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex development applications and statutory processes.
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in managing teams and projects.
• Proficiency in relevant GIS software and planning support systems is advantageous.
• Experience within the North West province, particularly in areas like Klerksdorp , is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead significant urban development projects.
• Engage with diverse and challenging planning issues.
• Professional development and continuous learning support.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Key role in shaping the future development landscape of Klerksdorp and the surrounding region.