Head of Planning - South West
Head of Planning - South West

Head of Planning - South West

Bristol Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team in delivering expert planning advice and securing new clients.
  • Company: Join Carter Jonas, a vibrant planning consultancy based in Bristol's dynamic Clifton Triangle.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a thriving city while shaping the future of planning in the South West.
  • Qualifications: Must be MRTPI or MRICS certified with experience in planning consultancy and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: A full driving licence is required due to travel expectations.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We’re looking for a forward-thinking, innovative Head of Planning South West to join us and lead the charge in driving the growth of our Planning & Development division in this exciting, high-potential region. You’ll lead a small, established team of planning professionals while playing a key role in securing new clients and nurturing long-term relationships. Your experience in managing diverse planning matters and delivering successful outcomes will be critical to driving the team’s performance and supporting the wider business goals. Nestled in the heart of the eclectic city of Bristol, our office on Clifton Triangle serves as a dynamic regional hub, home to over 50 professionals bringing together Planning & Development, Rural, Commercial, and Infrastructure sectors. This is a unique opportunity to take on a leadership role in one of the most vibrant and exciting planning communities in the UK. If you’re ready to make an impact in one of the country’s most dynamic cities, we want to hear from you.

Main tasks

  • Provide expert planning and development advice to both internal and external clients on a variety of high-impact projects and planning matters.
  • Lead negotiations with local authorities and statutory bodies to promote sites, secure planning permissions, and solve complex issues.
  • Take the lead on preparing written representations, and actively participate in informal hearings, public inquiries, and examination hearings.
  • Oversee and mentor junior team members, ensuring their work is delivered to the highest standards while fostering their development.
  • Play a key role in promoting and growing the Planning & Development Division—you’ll be crucial in making Carter Jonas a go-to name for top-tier planning advice.
  • Identify new business opportunities and develop strategic initiatives to expand the team’s portfolio, while integrating Carter Jonas’ other services.

What will it take to be successful?

  • You will have a wealth of experience as an MRTPI or MRICS Planning professional with a track record of working within a planning consultancy (or similar).
  • You will have deep knowledge of Bristol and South West property markets, with success in developing client relationships as well as identifying new opportunities to grow business.
  • You will be able to lead efficiently, supporting and guiding teams with a passion for mentoring as well as working collaboratively internally across multiple teams/divisions.
  • It will be key that this individual can manage multiple projects and priorities as well as continuing to deliver business goals.
  • Travel will be expected and therefore a full driving licence is required.

Head of Planning - South West employer: Carter Jonas LLP

At Carter Jonas, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Head of Planning role in the vibrant city of Bristol. Our dynamic work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a supportive team environment. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to delivering top-tier planning advice, we offer a unique chance to make a significant impact in one of the UK's most exciting planning communities.
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Contact Detail:

Carter Jonas LLP Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Planning - South West

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the planning and development sector, especially those based in Bristol and the South West. Attend local industry events or seminars to connect with potential colleagues and clients, which can help you gain insights into the market and establish valuable relationships.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the key planning policies and regulations specific to the South West region. Understanding local authority priorities and challenges will enable you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team and secure new business opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing your experience in mentoring and developing junior team members. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others in a similar role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Carter Jonas' recent projects and initiatives within the Planning & Development division. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning - South West

Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning
Client Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Project Management
Mentoring and Coaching
Knowledge of Planning Regulations
Understanding of Local Authorities
Business Development
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Collaboration
Time Management
Full Driving Licence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in planning consultancy and showcases your leadership skills. Emphasise your knowledge of the Bristol and South West property markets, as well as any successful client relationships you've developed.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for planning and development. Discuss your vision for the role and how you plan to drive growth in the Planning & Development division. Mention specific examples of past successes that align with the job description.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: In your application, highlight your experience in leading negotiations with local authorities and statutory bodies. Provide examples of how you've successfully secured planning permissions or resolved complex issues in previous roles.

Demonstrate Mentorship Experience: Since mentoring junior team members is a key part of this role, include details about your experience in guiding and developing others. Share specific instances where you've helped team members achieve their goals or improve their performance.

How to prepare for a job interview at Carter Jonas LLP

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Planning, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you've helped junior members grow.

✨Demonstrate Local Knowledge

Familiarise yourself with the Bristol and South West property markets. During the interview, reference specific projects or developments in the area that you admire or have been involved with. This shows your commitment and understanding of the local landscape.

✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

Given the role's emphasis on negotiations with local authorities, think of past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex planning issues. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you secure planning permissions.

✨Highlight Business Development Acumen

The role involves identifying new business opportunities. Prepare to talk about strategies you've implemented in the past to grow a client base or expand services. Show how you can contribute to making Carter Jonas a go-to name for planning advice.

Head of Planning - South West
Carter Jonas LLP
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  • Head of Planning - South West

    Bristol
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-04-20

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    Carter Jonas LLP

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