Senior Town Planner - Urban Development

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Town Planner to lead development applications, conduct feasibility studies and advise on planning legislation for projects in Sandton and the wider Gauteng region. The role combines office-based planning with site visits and client meetings in a hybrid setup.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Town and Regional Planning, SACPLAN registration, and at least 7 years’ consultancy experience with strong stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with SPLUMA, EIA Act and municipal planning schemes.
• Excellent analytical, research, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and submission of development applications to local authorities.
• Conduct land use and feasibility studies to assess development potential.
• Interpret and advise on planning legislation and policies.
• Engage with clients, government officials and communities to facilitate planning.
• Prepare planning reports, impact assessments and presentations.
• Manage timelines and ensure timely delivery of planning deliverables.
• Stay informed about changes in planning legislation and practice.

Skills

7+ years professional town planning

Negotiation & stakeholder engagement

Analytical & report writing

Education

Master's degree in Town and Regional Planning

Tools

SACPLAN registration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent urban planning and development consultancy, is seeking an experienced Senior Town Planner to contribute to impactful development projects across Sandton, Gauteng, and the broader metropolitan area. This vital role involves guiding the planning and approval processes for a wide range of land use developments, from initial concept through to implementation. The Senior Town Planner will be responsible for preparing planning applications, conducting feasibility studies, engaging with stakeholders, and providing expert advice on planning legislation and policy. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of spatial planning principles, environmental impact assessments, and development control processes, coupled with strong analytical and communication skills. This role involves a hybrid work arrangement, combining office-based strategic planning with site visits and client meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and submission of development applications (e.g., rezoning, consent use, subdivision) to local authorities.
• Conduct comprehensive land use and feasibility studies to assess development potential.
• Interpret and advise on planning legislation, policies, and frameworks relevant to development projects.
• Engage with clients, government officials, community groups, and other stakeholders to facilitate the planning process.
• Prepare and present planning reports, impact assessments, and presentations.
• Review and comment on development proposals and planning-related documentation.
• Assist in the development of spatial development frameworks and local area plans.
• Manage project timelines and ensure timely delivery of planning deliverables.
• Stay informed about current trends and changes in planning legislation and practice.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Town and Regional Planning or a related field (e.g., Urban Planning, Development Studies).
• Professional registration with the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN) as a Professional Planner is mandatory.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in professional town planning, preferably within a consultancy environment.
• Proven experience in preparing and managing complex development applications.
• Strong knowledge of South African planning legislation (e.g., SPLUMA, EIA Act) and municipal planning schemes.
• Excellent analytical, research, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, managing own workload and collaborating with the team.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for site visits and meetings.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• The hybrid work model provides a good work-life balance.
• You will have the opportunity to work on diverse and significant urban development projects, contributing to the shaping of communities.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities are supported, along with career progression prospects within a respected firm.