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- Tasks: Lead diverse planning projects and provide expert advice to clients.
- Company: Join a respected planning consultancy with a strong regional presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the region's development while mentoring junior planners in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with significant experience and strong UK planning knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-profile projects across East Anglia.
A highly regarded Planning consultancy and estate agency with a strong regional presence is looking to appoint a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner to join their growing Planning & Development team in Cambridge. This is a key role for an experienced planner who can take ownership of projects, contribute to business development, and provide expert advice to a diverse client base spanning residential, commercial, and rural sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a varied portfolio of planning projects across East Anglia
- Prepare and submit complex planning applications and appeals
- Undertake site appraisals and provide strategic planning advice
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders
- Support and mentor junior team members
- Contribute to business development and identify new opportunities
- Represent the company at planning committees, public consultations, and stakeholder meetings
Requirements:
- MRTPI qualified with significant post-qualification experience
- Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy
- Proven experience delivering successful outcomes across a range of project types
- Commercially aware with excellent client-facing and communication skills
- Proactive, organised, and confident managing projects and deadlines
- Full UK driving licence (site travel required)
Benefits:
- Competitive salary with performance-related bonus
- Pension scheme and private healthcare options
- Hybrid/flexible working
- Excellent career progression prospects within a supportive, professional team
- Opportunity to work on high-profile and regionally significant projects
This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and commercially astute planner to join a respected, multi-disciplinary team and play a pivotal role in shaping the region's development landscape.
Principal Town Planner employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Town Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who are already working in East Anglia. Attend local planning events or seminars to meet potential colleagues and clients, which can help you gain insights into the local market and increase your chances of being noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning challenges and opportunities in Cambridge and the surrounding areas. Understanding local issues will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show how you can contribute to the company's success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous project experiences in detail, particularly those that involved complex planning applications or stakeholder engagement. Highlighting your successful outcomes will showcase your expertise and ability to manage diverse projects effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Being able to reference their work during conversations will not only show your genuine interest in the role but also help you align your skills and experiences with their needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Town Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Town Planner position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in managing planning projects and your knowledge of UK planning legislation.
Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly outline your MRTPI qualification, post-qualification experience, and specific examples of successful project outcomes. Emphasise your client-facing skills and any experience in business development or mentoring junior staff.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly in leading projects and building relationships with clients and stakeholders. Be sure to mention your proactive approach and organisational skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the planning profession. Consider asking a colleague to review your documents for additional feedback.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Principal Town Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage a varied portfolio of planning projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led projects, highlighting your organisational skills and how you met deadlines.
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you're well-versed in UK planning legislation and policy. During the interview, be ready to discuss recent changes in legislation and how they might impact planning applications, showcasing your expertise and proactive approach.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Strong client-facing skills are crucial for this role. Prepare to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders in previous roles. Consider sharing a story that illustrates your communication skills and ability to navigate complex situations.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Acumen
This position involves contributing to business development. Think of ways you've identified new opportunities or contributed to growing a client base in the past. Be ready to discuss your commercial awareness and how it can benefit the consultancy.
