Position Summary
The Associate Town Planner is responsible for leading and delivering a diverse portfolio of planning projects while supporting the strategic growth of the team. The role combines technical planning expertise, project management, client relationship management, business development, and team leadership. The Associate will oversee planning applications, provide strategic planning advice, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the continued success and reputation of the practice.
Key ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership
- Lead the preparation, management, and delivery of a wide range of planning projects across residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors.
- Manage planning applications, appeals, pre-application submissions, and planning appraisals from inception through to determination.
- Provide strategic planning advice to clients on development opportunities, planning policy, and development constraints.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality planning solutions.
- Monitor project programmes, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Client Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Act as the primary point of contact for key projects.
- Present planning strategies and recommendations to clients, stakeholders, committees, and public consultation events.
- Identify opportunities to provide additional services and support business growth.
Planning & Technical Expertise
- Prepare and review planning statements, policy appraisals, representations, Local Plan submissions, and appeal documentation.
- Undertake site appraisals and due diligence assessments.
- Monitor changes to planning legislation, national policy, and local development plans, ensuring advice reflects current best practice.
- Represent clients at hearings, inquiries, examinations, and stakeholder meetings where appropriate.
Business Development
- Contribute to the preparation of fee proposals and tenders.
- Support marketing initiatives, networking events, and professional activities that enhance the firm's profile.
- Develop new business opportunities through existing and prospective client relationships.
Team Leadership
- Mentor and support junior level staff through coaching, technical guidance, and performance development.
- Assist with workload planning and resource management.
- Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
Qualifications and ExperienceEssential
- Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligibility for chartered status.
- Typically 8+ years' professional planning experience within consultancy, local government, or the development sector.
- Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development management processes.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex planning projects.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and project management capabilities.
Desirable
- Experience appearing at planning appeals, hearings, or public inquiries.
- Existing client relationships and business development experience.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary development teams.
- Knowledge of environmental, heritage, or infrastructure planning issues.
- Full UK driving licence
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Leadership and mentoring
- Project management
- Negotiation and influencing skills
- Client relationship management
- Report writing and presentation
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Attention to detail
Performance Measures
- Successful delivery of projects to programme and budget.
- Client satisfaction and repeat business.
- Contribution to business development and revenue growth.
- Quality and accuracy of planning submissions.
- Effective mentoring and development of junior team members.
- Positive contribution to team culture and operational performance.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Pension and comprehensive benefits package.
- Professional membership fees and continued professional development support.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Career progression.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment with opportunities to work on high-profile and complex development projects.
Pay: £50,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Transport links
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Winchester SO23 8RY
