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- Tasks: Lead and deliver financial viability assessments for affordable housing projects.
- Company: Altair helps create thriving communities through better housing and planning across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical scheme, 25-30 days holiday, and career development support.
- Why this job: Join a supportive culture where your contributions matter and make a real social impact.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, RICS/RTPI membership, and 3+ years of experience in financial viability assessments.
- Other info: Apply with your CV and a supporting statement; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Senior Consultant or Project Director – Planning Viability
Altair is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Consultant or Project Director (depending on experience) to lead the delivery and growth of our planning viability related services. If you're passionate about affordable housing, commercially astute, and technically skilled in Financial Viability Assessments (FVAs) for planning purposes, we want to hear from you.
The Role
This role involves managing and delivering Altair’s Financial Viability Assessment (FVA) and wider planning viability related services. Acting as an external viability advisor to both local planning authorities and applicants, you will deliver clear, evidence-based assessments to determine the viable level of affordable housing in planning applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on the delivery of FVA services on behalf of local planning authorities and planning applicants
- Provide reports detailing the viability of the delivery of affordable housing
- Liaise with broader FVA project team including quantity surveyors and planning consultants
- Provide rebuttals and viability reviews at early and late planning stages
- Represent clients at public consultations, appeal inquiries and other public examinations
- Respond to requests for FVA related proposals, contribute to marketing activities, identify and target potential new clients and attend pitches
- Track national, regional and local planning and development viability issues and trends
- Lead on the delivery of other planning viability related services provided by Altair including planning viability policy research, for example commuted sums in lieu of on-site provision of affordable housing
- Work with other members of the team to enhance their knowledge and experience of delivering planning viability services
- Support in the delivery of wider development viability assignments such as, market research and analysis, options appraisals and other relevant project work, as required.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- Relevant degree (e.g. Planning, Real Estate)
- RICS / RTPI membership (or equivalent)
- At least 3 years’ experience delivering and reviewing FVAs for planning applications
- Expert knowledge of development appraisal tools (especially Argus Developer)
- Strong understanding of Section 106 agreements and related case law
- Proven ability to lead client-facing projects and manage multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent analytical and report writing skills
Desirable Experience:
- Preparation of Local Plan Viability Assessments and/or other public sector viability work
- Public inquiry or examination representation
- Experience working with or within local authorities or housing associations
Attributes and Behaviours
We’re looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates high standards and pride in quality work
- Takes ownership and leads with confidence
- Brings insight and adds value through strategic thinking
- Builds strong relationships and works well in teams
- Shows curiosity and innovation in solving problems
- Is passionate about delivering social impact through housing
Why Join Altair?
At Altair, we help clients across the UK create thriving communities through better housing, planning, and regeneration. We offer:
- Flexible working
- Working from home
- Access to Private Medical Scheme
- Benefits of joining Health Shield with contributions towards optical, dental, physiotherapy, reflexology, head massage to name a few.
- Holidays starting at 25 days going up to 30 days
- Death in service from the first day which pays 4 times annual salary
- Pension scheme with a 6% company contribution
- Career development support
- Training and development
- Salary sacrifice electric car leasing scheme
At Altair, we pride ourselves on our open, friendly, and supportive culture. You won’t just be a number here but an individual who matters. Your contributions will be valued and celebrated, making you an integral part of our team.
How to apply
Please send a copy of your CV by an email via the button below with the reference ALT-SC/PD along with a supporting statement (no more than 1,000 words) explaining why you are interested in the role and working for Altair, as well as evidencing your experience and knowledge in relation to the role you are applying for.
While we do not have a formal application deadline, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We will review applications on a rolling basis and contact candidates who meet the requirements for this role.
Project Director employer: Altair Ltd
Contact Detail:
Altair Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in planning viability and affordable housing. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field, which is something we value at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience with Financial Viability Assessments. Engaging with others can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams or delivered client-facing projects. Highlighting these experiences will showcase your leadership skills and ability to manage complex tasks, which are crucial for the Project Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to articulate your understanding of Section 106 agreements and relevant case law. This expertise is essential for the role, and demonstrating your knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Financial Viability Assessments and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in affordable housing and your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly articulate why you are interested in the Project Director role at Altair. Discuss your passion for affordable housing and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Mention your relevant degree and any professional memberships (like RICS or RTPI) prominently. Highlight your experience with development appraisal tools and your understanding of Section 106 agreements to strengthen your application.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting, ensure your documents are free from errors and formatted professionally. A well-organised application reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality work, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Altair Ltd
✨Showcase Your Expertise in Financial Viability Assessments
Make sure to highlight your experience with Financial Viability Assessments (FVAs) during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully delivered FVAs, detailing the methodologies you used and the outcomes achieved.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Planning Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant planning regulations and Section 106 agreements. During the interview, be ready to discuss how these regulations impact affordable housing delivery and how you've navigated them in past roles.
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Since the role involves liaising with local planning authorities and clients, prepare for questions that assess your client management skills. Think of examples where you've successfully led client-facing projects or resolved conflicts.
✨Express Your Passion for Social Impact
Altair values candidates who are passionate about delivering social impact through housing. Be sure to convey your enthusiasm for affordable housing and how your work contributes to creating thriving communities.
