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- Tasks: Lead client relationships and provide top-level planning advice on diverse projects.
- Company: Join Broccoli Cupcake, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy with a strong presence in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 35 days holiday, private healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact in urban and rural planning.
- Qualifications: Must have MRTPI membership and experience in UK planning and environmental impact assessments.
- Other info: Apply early as the role may close once sufficient applications are received.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are a multi-disciplinary consultancy, working nationwide but with our strongest presence in the Midlands. Our mission is to help our clients make the most of their land and property, whether rural or urban, commercial, agricultural or residential. Our town planners work hand-in-hand with our architects, civil engineers, heritage consultants, land valuers and surveyors to take sites from initial concept to spades in the ground.
We are looking to recruit an experienced town planner who can grow and nurture client relationships, lead our largest projects and provide top-level planning advice to our most-valued clients. You will be one of sixteen town planners in our business. Shrewsbury is our largest planning office, with planning colleagues also based in Hereford, Kettering and Towcester. In 2024/25 we were ranked in the Top 25 UK Planning Consultancies by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Principal Planning Consultant Responsibilities / Duties
This is a key, client-facing role at the heart of our business. It combines top-level technical knowledge with outstanding customer service. We are looking for somebody who can take an opportunity and run with it; somebody with the confidence to guide a client and steer a project; somebody for whom nothing is too much trouble. You must be responsive, energetic, reassuring and, above all, personable. You will offer first-rate planning advice and will have excellent report-writing skills. Your role will cover both planning application and strategic land promotion work. This is a role for a confident and experienced consultant, from the private or public sectors. You will be comfortable working independently but will know instinctively when to touch base with others. A sound understanding of the UK planning system is a given and experience in environmental impact assessment would be helpful. Membership of the MRTPI is essential and you should be confident handling your own caseload from start to finish, with minimal oversight.
Key responsibilities of the Principal Planning Consultant role include:
- Working with senior colleagues throughout the business to generate work and to develop target clients and markets
- Leading client relationships from start to finish
- Delivering projects efficiently with minimal overspend
- Offering top-level planning advice to clients in the housing, leisure, energy and agricultural sectors, providing reassurance and managing expectations
- Writing and editing fee quotes, planning statements, appeal statements and design and access statements
- Promoting land for development through the local plan review process
- Managing the EIA process and editing environmental statements
- Attending client, LPA and subconsultant meetings, both virtually and in person
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, to be worked flexibly Monday-Friday.
Principal Planning Consultant Benefits
The role sits within a friendly and supportive team with opportunities to develop. We will offer an excellent salary for the right candidate reflective of your skills, qualifications and experience. We will pay all the appropriate professional memberships and fund your attendance at relevant CPD events and time off for approved training. We provide Private Healthcare scheme for all. We have an Employee Assistance Programme, including a health plan and annual flu jab. We have an agile working philosophy allowing for a mix of remote and office working. We provide an entitlement of 35 days holiday per annum (pro rata to working hours) inclusive of bank holidays. An additional day off to celebrate your Birthday. We also give an additional day of holiday for every 3 years of service. Potential for discretionary bonus. We provide an enhanced workplace pension scheme operated through The National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). Following successful probation period, access to employee loan and employee discount on Berrys services. We offer salary sacrifice schemes for Electric Vehicles and Cycle to Work schemes.
Closing Date: 15/04/2025. Please note that we may close this role early, if sufficient applications are received, therefore it is recommended to apply early if you match the criteria.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Consulting
Industries: Business Consulting and Services
Principal Planning Consultant employer: Broccoli Cupcake
Contact Detail:
Broccoli Cupcake Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the UK planning system. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning consultancy sector, especially those who are members of the MRTPI. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've led or contributed to, particularly those that involved client relationships and strategic land promotion. Highlighting your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your soft skills, such as communication and customer service, during any interactions with the company. Being personable and responsive is key for this role, so make sure to convey these traits in your conversations.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Planning Consultant role. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as report-writing and client relationship management.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in town planning, particularly in client-facing roles. Emphasise your understanding of the UK planning system and any experience with environmental impact assessments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning consultancy. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead client relationships and deliver top-level planning advice.
Highlight Professional Memberships: Since membership of the MRTPI is essential for this role, ensure you clearly state your membership status in your application. If you have attended relevant CPD events, mention these to show your commitment to professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Broccoli Cupcake
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Principal Planning Consultant, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of the UK planning system. Be prepared to discuss specific regulations and how they apply to various projects, showcasing your expertise in both planning applications and strategic land promotion.
✨Emphasise Client Relationship Skills
This role is client-facing, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in managing client relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully guided clients through complex projects, ensuring their needs were met while maintaining a positive rapport.
✨Demonstrate Report-Writing Proficiency
Excellent report-writing skills are essential for this position. Bring samples of your previous work or be ready to discuss your approach to writing planning statements and appeal documents, emphasising clarity and attention to detail.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate challenges in planning projects and how you managed expectations while delivering results.
