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- Tasks: Lead town planning services for major infrastructure projects and engage with 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 communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 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 employer: CJ Associates
Contact Detail:
CJ Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with planning applications and stakeholder engagement in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your knowledge of the consenting processes and your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with our purpose-driven approach to infrastructure.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Planner role. Highlight your experience in town planning and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Report-Writing Skills: Since strong report-writing skills are key for this position, consider including examples of reports or documents you've produced in the past. This will help us see your ability to present complex information clearly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 legislation relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the Town and Country Planning Act, Development Consent Orders, and other related processes. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the role of Principal Planner. Highlight your experience with major infrastructure projects and your understanding of the consenting processes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in stakeholder engagement and consultation.
✨Build Rapport
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Take the time to build a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in the company’s mission and values.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your answers and get comfortable discussing your qualifications. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when explaining complex planning concepts. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel during the actual interview.
