Senior Town Planner
Location: Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)
Position: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About the Client
Our client is a well-established planning, design and development consultancy based in Manchester, delivering a wide range of residential, mixed-use, regeneration and strategic land projects across the North West and wider UK. Known for its collaborative approach and commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality places, the business works closely with developers, landowners, local authorities and private sector clients to secure successful planning outcomes.
Due to continued growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Town Planner to join their Manchester team.
The Role
As a Senior Town Planner, you will play a leading role in the delivery of planning projects from initial site appraisal through to planning consent. Working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams, you will provide strategic planning advice, manage planning applications and appeals, and contribute to business development initiatives.
This position offers the opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of projects while developing your leadership and client management skills within a dynamic consultancy environment.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management
- Lead the preparation, submission and management of planning applications, appeals and development proposals.
- Prepare Planning Statements, Design and Access Statements, Appeal Statements and policy reviews.
- Manage project programmes, budgets and timelines to ensure successful delivery.
Strategic Planning Advice
- Advise clients on planning strategy, development potential and planning risks.
- Undertake site appraisals, feasibility assessments and planning due diligence exercises.
- Monitor changes in planning legislation and policy and provide informed advice to clients.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, planning officers, consultees and stakeholders.
- Represent clients at meetings, public consultations, planning committees and appeal proceedings.
- Act as a trusted adviser throughout the planning process.
Team Leadership
- Mentor and support junior planners and graduates.
- Collaborate with colleagues across planning, urban design, landscape and environmental disciplines.
- Contribute to business development activities, networking opportunities and tender submissions.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Degree and/or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Chartered Member of the RTPI (MRTPI) or working towards chartership with relevant experience.
- Proven experience within a planning consultancy, development company, housebuilder or local authority.
- Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and development management process.
- Excellent report writing, communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience in residential, mixed-use, regeneration or strategic land projects.
- Knowledge of planning policy and development issues across the North West.
- Experience managing planning appeals and stakeholder engagement exercises.
- Commercial awareness and an interest in business development.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Professional development and RTPI support.
- Clear career progression opportunities.
- Exposure to a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects.
- Collaborative and supportive team environment.
Apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and covering letter detailing their relevant planning experience, key project achievements and career aspirations.