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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Planning and Infrastructure team to manage exciting development projects.
- Company: Leading law firm committed to innovation and community involvement.
- Benefits: Support for wellbeing, career growth, and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while combating climate change.
- Qualifications: 4+ years PQE in planning with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with ongoing training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Department: Planning
Contract Type: Full Time / Permanent
Location: Exeter
Job Summary
We are seeking to recruit an ambitious and confident planning Associate (with at least 4 years PQE) to join our leading Planning and Infrastructure Consenting Team in Exeter. We are currently advising on some of the largest developments in the region including large scale strategic development, nationally significant energy and infrastructure development, planning obligations, community infrastructure levy, lawful development certificates and highways. We act for national and regional housebuilders, land promoters, and local authorities on all aspects of bringing forward development.
You will be responsible for helping with and running your own case-load, working with partners and solicitors in the department across the firm’s offices. The planning team covers the full remit of planning matters, and you will also support other teams in the firm on property acquisitions and disposals, as well as advise on contentious planning matters such as enforcement, compulsory purchase, judicial reviews, statutory challenges and appeals. You will be responsible for dealing with high quality, high value work with high levels of responsibility from the outset.
Who You Are
Qualifications and experienceAn excellent communicator with proven technical and organisational skills, you’ll be accustomed to working under pressure to meet challenging deadlines, and already have a firm grounding in planning work, ideally with some experience in residential development and energy related cases with a similar sized national or city firm. With an eye for detail, you’ll be meticulous and thorough in your work, with experience in acting for a range of clients.
Relationships and mindsetOur relationship with our clients is paramount. You will be able to demonstrate your ability to build strong and lasting relationships with clients, and show a genuine commitment to their business needs. Being self-motivated and ambitious, you will be keen to expand your knowledge and experience, and possess the drive to help us continue to grow and develop our business. Clients will be looking to you to be up to date on the latest policy developments affecting the sector, and you’ll need to demonstrate a genuine interest and enthusiasm for your work, and its wider implications for our clients. We act for a number of leading national energy developers and we hope that you share our passion to play a part in combatting climate change and securing a clean energy future.
In return, we will support you to grow your professional networks, and maximise business development opportunities through access to relevant events and conferences, enhancing your knowledge and credibility across the sector.
Your Career. Our Commitment.
At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work. When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities. With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work-life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career.
Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way. Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team.
Our offer
We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee led diversity and inclusion groups. You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.
Whats next?
Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords. Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way. We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you. At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at . For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Toby Tompkins, Talent Attraction Manager - . Or apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Associate/ Snr Associate (4+ PQE) in Exeter employer: Ashfords
Contact Detail:
Ashfords Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate/ Snr Associate (4+ PQE) in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning and infrastructure sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show your enthusiasm for their work, especially in energy and infrastructure development. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs – they want to see that you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Associate, you’ll need to convey complex planning issues clearly. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your pitch and ensure you can articulate your thoughts confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that apply button and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate/ Snr Associate (4+ PQE) in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for planning and infrastructure shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the field and ready to tackle the challenges that come with it.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in residential development and energy-related cases, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us get a quick grasp of what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashfords
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and regulations. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in residential and energy-related cases, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Associate, you'll need to build strong relationships with clients. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, whether it's through presentations, reports, or client meetings.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage your case-load and meet deadlines under pressure. Share specific strategies you use to stay organised and ensure high-quality work, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Ashfords' core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference, and Always Grow. Think of ways you can demonstrate these values in your previous work experiences and how they resonate with your own professional philosophy.
