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- Tasks: Lead planning advisor for a major UK retail client, managing diverse projects.
- Company: Nationally respected company with a strong focus on retail and commercial planning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working culture, and opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Make a direct impact on high-profile projects without the need for business development.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with significant experience in UK planning, especially in retail.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team in central Manchester with a focus on growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A nationally respected company is seeking a Planning Director or Associate Director with a strong track record in retail, commercial and industrial planning to join its growing Manchester team. This is a senior hire with a clear focus: delivering strategic planning advice to one of the UK’s most prominent and active developer clients. You’ll play a lead role in managing the planning needs of this high‑profile client, supporting their national property portfolio. This is a fast‑paced, commercially driven role requiring technical planning expertise, excellent client service, and a deep understanding of the retail and commercial planning landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as lead planning advisor for a major UK retail client, managing a high volume of varied projects.
- Provide strategic advice on site selection, planning appraisals, sequential and impact assessments, and planning risk.
- Prepare and manage planning applications and appeals across England.
- Collaborate closely with in‑house teams and external consultants to deliver planning outcomes efficiently.
- Support wider business development and contribute to the continued growth of the retail planning offer.
About You
- MRTPI qualified with significant experience in UK planning, ideally within consultancy or retail client‑side roles.
- A strong track record of delivering retail or commercial planning schemes at pace and at scale.
- Proven expertise in retail policy, town centre planning, and commercial development.
- Commercially minded, with excellent communication and client relationship skills.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects across a national portfolio.
What’s on Offer
- The chance to work with a major UK client on a retained basis, therefore no need to business develop.
- A key role within a nationally recognised planning team with retail sector depth.
- A collaborative and flexible working culture, based out of central Manchester.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, with room for progression.
If you’re a retail‑focused planner looking for a role where your expertise will be valued and your work will have a direct commercial impact, this could be your next step.
Planning Director - Manchester employer: Cobalt Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cobalt Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Director - Manchester
✨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 in the planning sector, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements in retail and commercial planning. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in working with them. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their projects and challenges in the retail planning landscape. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Director - Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Planning Director role. Highlight your expertise in retail, commercial, and industrial planning to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience with strategic planning advice.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've successfully managed planning projects in the past. We love seeing the impact of your work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of retail, commercial, and industrial planning. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Client Skills
Since this role involves managing a high-profile client, be prepared to talk about your experience in client relationship management. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated client needs and delivered results, as this will highlight your ability to provide excellent service.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around planning appraisals, site selection, and impact assessments. Brush up on these topics and think of scenarios where you’ve applied this knowledge. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
This role requires working closely with in-house teams and external consultants. Prepare examples of how you’ve collaborated in the past, focusing on your communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
