Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning advisor for a major UK retail client, managing diverse projects.
- Company: Nationally respected company with a collaborative and flexible culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Make a direct impact on high-profile retail projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with significant UK planning experience, ideally in retail.
- Other info: Join a recognised planning team with a focus on retail sector 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
- 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
- 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 in Sutton employer: Cobalt Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cobalt Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Director - Manchester in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨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 bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research the company and its clients thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing high-profile projects and delivering strategic advice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Director - Manchester in Sutton
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 show us you’re the right fit for our team.
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 your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with high-profile clients!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements in previous roles. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed projects and delivered strategic planning advice that made an impact.
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 from 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 is your chance to showcase your MRTPI qualifications and experience!
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the major UK retail client you'll be advising. Understand their portfolio and any recent developments in the retail sector. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you're not just a planner, but someone who can provide strategic advice that aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you've managed multiple projects in the past. Highlight your ability to deliver at pace and scale, as this role requires juggling various planning applications and appeals. Use specific examples to illustrate your organisational skills and efficiency.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since excellent communication and client relationship skills are key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex planning concepts in a way that's easy to understand, especially when discussing site selection and planning appraisals.
