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- Tasks: Lead town planning services for major infrastructure projects and engage with key stakeholders.
- Company: CJ Associates, a purpose-driven consultancy with 35 years of experience in infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and tackle complex challenges that benefit communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning, chartered RTPI membership, and strong report-writing skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
For 35 years CJ Associates has helped deliver some of the UK’s most complex and high‑profile infrastructure projects. We are an independent specialist project support consultancy with expertise in consents and authorisations, programme and commercial management, strategy, stakeholder engagement and consultation.
Our Purpose
To bring passionate, independent, creative thinking to complex challenges that deliver better outcomes for our clients and their communities. We’re a purpose-driven consultancy where infrastructure meets integrity —and your work really matters.
Due to increasing demand for our services, we are seeking to recruit a new Principal Planner to join our Town Planning & Consents Team.
Key elements of the job
- Working closely with clients to deliver and implement planning and consents applications including Town and Country Planning Act submissions, Development Consent Orders, Transport & Works Act Orders and Parliamentary Bills.
- Analysis of relevant town planning policy and legislative framework at an early stage in project development, to be able to provide strategic advice on the town planning requirements.
- Building relationships with key stakeholders and carrying out consultation with local authorities, statutory bodies and third parties, to reach agreement on planning and consenting matters.
- Providing planning advice for EIA projects.
- Guidance on the planning consents process to development specialists including engineers and architects.
- Collaborating on the production of drawings and project deliverables in relation to project submissions.
- Providing assurance to clients on construction related activities to ensure compliance with consents and planning obligations.
- Participation at public consultation and community liaison events.
- Preparation of evidence for Public Hearings and Inquiries.
Expected Skills and Experience
- A degree in Town Planning or a relevant discipline.
- To have achieved chartered membership of RTPI.
- Experience and in‑depth knowledge of the consenting processes associated with delivery of major infrastructure projects, including DCO processes.
- Strong report‑writing skills and the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Managerial experience and leadership skills.
- Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- A strong team player willing to support other colleagues and deliver corporate projects.
- A self‑motivated individual with excellent analytical skills.
- Have an inquisitive mind with the confidence to check and challenge.
Remuneration Package – benefits include:
Principal Planner in London employer: CJ Associates
Contact Detail:
CJ Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your knowledge of the planning processes and your experience with major infrastructure projects. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the company and the role. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially around stakeholder engagement and planning consents. Practice common interview questions so you can answer confidently.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at CJ Associates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for town planning shine through. We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our purpose of delivering better outcomes for clients and communities.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in major infrastructure projects. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of the consenting processes and your ability to provide strategic advice.
Be Clear and Concise: Strong report-writing skills are key for this role. Keep your application clear and to the point, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at CJ Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key elements of town planning and the specific processes related to major infrastructure projects. Familiarise yourself with the Town and Country Planning Act, Development Consent Orders, and other relevant legislation. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing planning applications and stakeholder engagement. Have specific examples ready that highlight your skills in report writing, strategic advice, and collaboration with engineers and architects. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of a Principal Planner.
✨Build Rapport
Remember, interviews are as much about personality as they are about qualifications. Practice building rapport with your interviewers by being personable and engaging. Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company’s purpose-driven approach, as this can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company and the role. Inquire about their current projects, challenges they face in the planning process, or how they measure success in their consultancy work. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission.
