Senior Development Planner

Our client, a forward-thinking and independent multidisciplinary consultancy, is seeking driven individuals to join their expanding Planning team. They provide exceptional planning, design, and environmental services across the UK, with a focus on regional knowledge, service-specific expertise, and building strong client relationships. The consultancy works across a range of sectors including residential, commercial, renewable energy, infrastructure, leisure, and mixed-use developments.

We are looking for candidates with a passion for delivering excellence who want to support the company’s goal of being the UK’s leading multidisciplinary consultancy, shaping spaces for the better while creating social and environmental value. You will thrive in a diverse, entrepreneurial environment that fosters innovation and professional development.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, our client is committed to helping each individual realise their potential.

Job Purpose

As a Senior Planner, you will be the key point of contact for clients, delivering expert planning advice on applications and projects. You will also continue to develop core competencies and technical expertise while managing key projects at a senior level.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice within your area of specialization, while developing your management skills.
• Refine your commercial management, client relationship, and business development abilities to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Actively contribute to technical excellence, supervising and mentoring team members as required.
• Review work of other professional staff and potentially lead a small team or unique project element.
• Build strong internal and external networks to enhance expertise and project delivery.
• Serve as an ambassador for delivering an exceptional client experience.
• Contribute to bids and project proposals, with insights into market trends and potential new areas of work.
• Apply creative solutions to a wide range of projects and continuously seek improvement in the services provided.
• Manage resources effectively, ensuring project deadlines, budget, quality, and safety standards are met.
• Oversee technical aspects of major projects or smaller initiatives, ensuring client interests are safeguarded.
• Prepare and submit planning applications, appeals, and pre-application enquiries.
• Conduct planning appraisals, write high-quality reports with clear recommendations, and provide guidance on planning submissions.
• Prepare fee proposals and review Local Planning Authority Local Plans to assess development potential.
• Lead community engagement, committee meetings, and public examinations, negotiating positive outcomes for clients.

Sectors

Our client operates across a diverse range of sectors, including:

• Residential
• Commercial
• Renewable Energy
• Infrastructure
• Leisure
• Mixed-use Developments

Qualifications & Experience

• An RTPI accredited degree or Master’s in a related discipline.
• Preferably a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or actively working towards this qualification.
• At least two years of post-qualification experience in the planning industry, in either public or private sectors.

Essential Skills

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent client liaison and negotiation skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience in report writing with a track record of delivering recommendations.
• Thorough understanding of the UK planning process.

To Apply:

Please send your CV and covering letter to Vicky at Ocean to Earth Recruitment via email at vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk.

Join a dynamic and supportive environment where your contribution will help shape the future of communities and projects across the UK.