About Us
Due to the continued growth of our multi-disciplinary consultancy based in central Norwich, we are pleased to invite applications for an Associate Town Planner to join our team.
We are seeking an ambitious and commercially focused planner to be based in our newly opened air conditioned office close to Norwich Cathedral. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop our business by leading and delivering on a wide range of planning and development projects, primarily across Norfolk, but with occasional appointments further afield across the UK.
We offer a modern, collaborative and forward-thinking working environment, alongside ongoing support for your professional development and career progression.
The Role
In this Associate role, you will work closely with the company’s Directors, acting as one of our lead client contacts taking responsibility for the delivery of a diverse portfolio of planning and architectural assignments.
You will oversee your own projects from inception through to determination and beyond, working both independently and in collaboration with in-house colleagues and external consultants. You will also support and mentor junior team members to ensure the successful delivery of appointments across the business.
The role involves providing high-quality professional planning and development advice together with relevant accompanying planning documentation. It will also involve you instructing, coordinating and checking inputs from third-party consultants to ensure it aligns with the overall delivery of our work. You will be expected to provide a proactive and efficient service in the most friendly and professional manner. You will bring previous experience in all aspects of the planning process including writing planning statements, validation requirements and identifying how and when to seek third party contributions, leading onto dealing with local authorities and stakeholders, and ultimately the appeal process. Expert witness experience is desirable but not essential for this role. However, a willingness to speak with clients and attend public meetings such as Planning Committees and Parish Council meetings will be considered an essential part of your role. Whether your experience has been gained within a local authority or a planning consultancy, we would be pleased to hear from you.
This is a senior position. The right candidate will be provided the opportunity to have a broader involvement across all aspects of our business. It will enable you to progress both your management skills as well as strengthening your technical expertise in the company of fellow experts within the company plus via our established network of third party consultants. Establishing positive relationships at all levels through excellent communication is key to the success of our business. We will provide greater value to applicants who can not only demonstrate reliability and professionalism in their own work but are also proactive members of a team taking pride not only in the quality of their own work, but also in supporting, developing, and enabling those around them to develop and succeed.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Company Directors to support the successful delivery of planning submissions and development projects
- Manage client relationships and expectations across a portfolio of projects
- Lead the preparation, submission and management of multiple planning applications simultaneously
- Coordinate projects from initial concept through to determination and post-determination stages
- Act as planning agent for your portfolio of applications
- Prepare planning statements, appeal submissions, and development appraisals, supported by appropriate reports
- Appoint, manage, and coordinate third-party consultants
- Provide strategic input on complex development proposals, including cost and risk considerations
- Supervise and support junior staff
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local planning authorities, and key stakeholders
Key Experience & Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in Planning/Geography/Urban Studies (essential)
- RTPI-accredited MSc (preferred)
- MRTPI or progressing toward it
- Proven experience within a planning consultancy or local authority environment (essential)
- Strong understanding of the UK planning system and development management processes (essential)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (essential)
- Full UK driving licence (essential)
- Ability to attend public meetings (essential)
- Expert witness experience (desirable)
- Experience of strategic planning policy work and/or land promotion (desirable)
- Experience using CRM systems (desirable)
How to Apply
Please submit your CV along with a short cover letter outlining why you are a strong fit for this role and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and requirements above.
Pay: £35,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
