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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic planning team and deliver high-quality regulatory services to local authorities.
- Company: Join Capita, a leading consultancy transforming public services across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days' holiday, flexible working, and a range of lifestyle benefits.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: RTPI membership and strong experience in regulatory planning required.
- Other info: Home-based role with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Capita Local Public Services is looking for an experienced Associate Planner to lead our Planning function — effectively the Head of Planning within our professional consultancy. This is an exciting opportunity to shape, grow and lead a planning team delivering high‐quality regulatory services into local authorities across the UK.
As the Associate Planner, you will lead a multidisciplinary planning team of around 19 people, including Development Management planners, Principal Planners, Planning Managers and a small Planning Policy team. You will drive operational excellence, ensure high‐quality project delivery, and support the commercial performance of the function. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong planning expertise, team leadership capability, and the ability to operate in a commercial consultancy environment.
Important: This is not a local authority Head of Planning role. You will be leading a consultancy‐based planning team that provides development management, policy work, and planning expertise into local authorities. This is a home‐based role with regular travel required to our Belfast and Manchester offices (typically weekly or as needed to support team relationships and delivery).
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the full planning team (approx. 19 people) across Development Management and Planning Policy
- Providing day‐to‐day leadership, coaching, 1:1s, performance management and resource oversight
- Ensuring high standard delivery of regulatory planning services into local authority clients
- Supporting project delivery where needed, including occasional hands‐on DM or policy work
- Contributing to forecasting, commercial reviews and fee proposal development
- Driving quality, utilisation and operational efficiency within the team
- Representing the Planning function within the consultancy and supporting wider business priorities
What We're Looking For
Essential
- RTPI membership
- Degree in Town Planning or a closely related discipline
- Strong experience in regulatory planning (local authority OR consultancy serving local authorities)
- Demonstrated management and leadership experience
- Minimum 5 years relevant experience
Desirable
- P&L or commercial management experience (beneficial but not essential)
About Capita
Capita is an outsourcer, helping clients across the public and private sectors run complex business processes more efficiently, creating better consumer experiences. Operating across 8 countries, Capita's 41,000 colleagues support primarily UK and European clients with people‐based services underpinned by market‐leading technology. We're a vital support service for our clients, enabling the everyday interactions that we expect to run seamlessly.
A publicly listed business with adjusted revenue of £2.6bn, Capita's areas of focus are Central Government, Local Public Service, Defence, Learning, Fire & Security, Contact Centres and Pensions Solutions. We're embracing change to respond to the ever‐changing needs of society, creating better outcomes for all our stakeholders.
What's in it for you?
- 23 days' holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave
- The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice
- Auto‐enrolment to our company pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks' fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks... and plenty more
- Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle – from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology
- Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform
- You'll get the chance to follow your chosen career path anywhere in Capita. You'll be joining a network of experienced, innovative and dedicated individuals across multiple disciplines and sectors. There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career, and we'll provide the support you need to do just that. Our purpose is to create a better outcome for you.
What we hope you'll do next
Choose 'Apply now' to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.
Equal Opportunities
At Capita, we're committed to providing an inclusive, barrier‐free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. We want everyone to have the best chance of succeeding as they move through their application and start their career with us. We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer, we want to hear from you if you'd like to discuss any adjustments you might need during your recruitment process. Please email reasonableadjustments@capita.com or call 07784 237318 and we'll get back to you to discuss. For more information about equal opportunities and the types of adjustments we can offer, please visit the Capita Careers website.
If you have a question that does not relate to adjustments during your recruitment process, please email our Talent Acquisition team - CPScareers@capita.com
Location Manchester, United Kingdom
Time Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Associate Planning Officer in Belfast employer: Capita
Contact Detail:
Capita Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Planning Officer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Capita and understanding their consultancy approach. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in leading teams and delivering high-quality services to local authorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects. Highlight your ability to drive operational excellence and support commercial performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Capita and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Planning Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in regulatory planning and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the Associate Planner role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this role involves leading a multidisciplinary team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your management experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, and how you’ve driven operational excellence in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just hit ‘Apply now’ and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capita
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your regulatory planning knowledge, especially in a consultancy context. Be ready to discuss your experience with local authorities and how you've led teams in delivering high-quality services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a multidisciplinary team, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and coached teams in the past. Highlight your approach to performance management and how you've driven operational excellence.
✨Understand the Commercial Side
Familiarise yourself with P&L management and commercial reviews, even if it's not essential. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to the financial performance of the planning function will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, particularly in a consultancy environment.