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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex planning projects and mentor junior planners in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a top Town Planning consultancy with a focus on renewable energy and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Be instrumental in expanding our presence in Scotland while shaping the future of planning.
- Qualifications: RTPI-accredited degree and five years' experience in managing major projects required.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to build strong client relationships and drive strategic growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh, Hybrid
About Us
We are a market-leading, Town Planning consultancy with offices in Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, and London, providing strategic advice with a commercial focus, securing planning approvals for schemes across renewable energy, infrastructure, retail, leisure, commercial, healthcare, and tourism.
About the Role
This role is ideal for a commercially minded planner who has led major and complex projects, particularly in the energy, retail, and leisure sectors, with strong knowledge of Scottish planning systems. The successful candidate will work closely with our current Director. We are actively growing our presence in Scotland, and you will be instrumental in driving this expansion, working closely with clients from concept stage through to planning approval.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing large-scale and complex projects.
- Leading and developing a team, mentoring junior planners, and fostering a strong company culture.
- Driving business development – securing new clients, expanding our project portfolio, and strengthening our Scottish and English market presence.
- Navigating the Scottish planning systems, ensuring compliance and successful applications.
- Working with clients from the concept phase through to planning approval, providing strategic advice and direction.
- Liaising with key stakeholders, including clients, local authorities, and external consultants.
- Contributing to the strategic growth of the Edinburgh office and our wider UK operations.
About You
We are looking for a commercially driven, business-minded planner with a background in private sector consultancy. You should have:
- An RTPI-accredited degree/postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
- A minimum of five years' experience.
- A strong track record of managing complex projects, particularly in energy, retail, and leisure.
- Experience in Scottish planning systems.
- Experience running major projects and managing teams.
- A full driving licence and access to a car.
What’s in It for You?
- Competitive salary
- Long-term career progression
- Opportunity to lead and shape the Edinburgh office, building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
- A role within a respected, growing consultancy that values ambition and commercial acumen.
- Hybrid working.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner who is ready to take the next step in their career, committed to the long haul, and eager to play a key role in growing a successful consultancy.
Contact Detail:
Spencer Ogden Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in Scottish planning systems. Understanding the nuances and recent changes can give you an edge during discussions with our team and clients.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the energy, retail, and leisure sectors. Building relationships with key stakeholders can help you demonstrate your commitment to driving business development and securing new clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing complex projects in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated challenges and led teams to success, as this will be crucial in showcasing your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our consultancy's recent projects and successes. Being knowledgeable about our work will not only impress us but also allow you to align your vision for the Edinburgh office with our goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing complex projects, particularly in the energy, retail, and leisure sectors. Emphasise your knowledge of Scottish planning systems and any relevant qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial mindset and leadership skills. Mention specific examples of how you've driven business development and managed teams in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your track record of securing planning approvals and working with clients from concept to approval. Use metrics or specific achievements to demonstrate your impact.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Convey your excitement about the opportunity to shape the Edinburgh office and contribute to the company's growth. Make it clear why you are passionate about town planning and how you align with their values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Ogden
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of complex projects you've managed, particularly in the energy, retail, and leisure sectors. Highlight your role in these projects and how you navigated challenges to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Scottish Planning Systems
Since the role requires strong knowledge of Scottish planning systems, brush up on relevant regulations and recent changes. Be ready to explain how you've applied this knowledge in past roles to ensure compliance and secure planning approvals.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Experience
The position involves leading a team and mentoring junior planners. Share your experiences in developing team members and fostering a positive company culture. Discuss any specific strategies you've used to motivate and guide your team.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
As driving business development is a key responsibility, think about how you've secured new clients or expanded project portfolios in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with clients and stakeholders.
