Associate - Planning in Leeds

Job Title Associate - Planning

The Associate Planner will deliver high‑quality planning advice across a diverse portfolio of development, regeneration and strategic planning projects.

The role involves leading workstreams, managing client relationships, and contributing to the growth of Cushman & Wakefield’s Yorkshire & North East planning offer.

The postholder will work collaboratively across the Land, Development & Planning team and the wider business, supporting both public and private sector clients.

Job Description

As an Associate within the team you will support the Head of the Yorkshire North East in the implementation of the business plan through managing and developing client relationships, contributing to business development assignments, managing clients’ assignments, representing the office/ team in the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning projects from early strategy through to delivery, ensuring high‑quality outputs.
• Prepare, coordinate and submit planning applications and appeals, including multi‑disciplinary input management.
• Support and lead masterplanning, development frameworks and town centre/strategic regeneration projects.
• Provide clear, commercially grounded planning advice across residential, commercial and mixed‑use developments.
• Contribute to planning policy, evidence‑base work and site promotion activities.
• Undertake stakeholder engagement, including liaison with local authorities, community groups and development partners.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and identifying opportunities for added value.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues, contributing to a collaborative and high‑performing team culture.
• Support business development activity, including proposal writing, fee input and identifying new opportunities.
• Represent Cushman & Wakefield professionally at meetings, workshops and public consultations.
• Required Qualifications & Experience
• MRTPI qualification (or equivalent).
• Strong consultancy or client‑side planning experience.
• Proven experience managing planning projects from inception through delivery.
• Excellent report writing, analytical and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and confidence in client‑facing environments.
• Collaborative working style with a desire to contribute to team and business growth.
• Experience working with both public and private sector clients (advantageous but not essential).
• Key Competencies
• Client Focus – Builds strong relationships, understands client needs and delivers high‑quality, commercially relevant advice.
• Technical Expertise – Demonstrates strong planning knowledge, analytical capability and professional judgement.
• Project Delivery – Manages multiple projects effectively, ensuring deadlines, quality standards and client expectations are met.
• Collaboration – Works effectively with colleagues across teams and disciplines, contributing to a positive team culture.
• Communication – Produces clear, concise and compelling written outputs; communicates confidently in meetings and presentations.
• Business Growth – Identifies opportunities to add value, supports business development and contributes to team growth.
• Leadership & Mentoring – Supports junior colleagues, shares knowledge and contributes to capability development.

Cushman & Wakefield is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Cushman & Wakefield is committed to equity in employment, and our goal is to have a diverse, inclusive and barrier‑free workplace.

If you are a person with a disability and need any other accessible accommodations during the hiring process, you are invited to bring this to the Talent Acquisition Advisor’s attention once they have made contact.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”

About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a global leader in real estate services, leveraging our specialized expertise to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional value to owners and occupiers.

With 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices across 60 countries, we are one of the largest firms in the industry, with more than 100 years of history.

In 2023, we generated $9.5 billion in revenue from our core services.

To learn more, visit www. careers. cushmanwakefield. com.

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