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- Tasks: Join our Leeds team as a Principal Planner, working on exciting nationwide projects.
- Company: DPP Planning is a leading independent consultancy delivering innovative planning solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and an award-winning training programme.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values growth, integrity, and teamwork while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must have RTPI chartership, strong organisational skills, and experience in managing complex planning applications.
- Other info: Opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career progression with a supportive leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
DPP is an independent national planning consultancy, successfully delivering planning solutions to clients across the UK. DPP is a people-led business, committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and collaborative workplace for people to grow and succeed. This is evidenced in our extensive Employee Benefits package.
We have six key people values which overarch the business and its operations: Balance, Integrity, Professionalism, Dependability, Respect, and Teamwork. Everyone is expected to act as a role model, championing these values, to ensure that they are lived out in everything that we do.
Due to an expanding workload and exciting new projects, we are looking for a Principal Town Planner to join our Leeds team. The successful candidate will be working on a variety of projects nationwide, assisting in the delivery of exceptional planning services across various sectors, including Business, Defence, Education, Energy, Food & Drink, Health, Sport and Leisure, Residential, and Retail.
The Leeds team is looking to recruit an experienced planning consultant to build on their excellent track record in the region. In recent years, the team has secured permission for some major, high-profile schemes including the redevelopment of the former Core Shopping Centre to an 800-bed student housing led mixed-use scheme known as Garnet Exchange. The team also secured permission for Olympian Homes’ Cirrus Point (705 beds), which at 45 storeys will be the tallest standalone PBSA building in the world. The team also advises both University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University and recently secured permission for Leeds Beckett University’s School of the Built Environment, Engineering and Computing.
The team is also very active in the traditional residential and sport and leisure sectors with current clients including Keepmoat, Persimmon, Hull Kingston Rovers Rugby League Club, and Harrogate Town Football Club. We will consider part and full-time candidates and offer flexible working arrangements, with a mixture of home and office-based working for all our employees. You will be required to be in the office at least three days per week.
You will receive ongoing support and guidance from our experienced senior leadership team across all our offices. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute towards the management and mentorship of the team and shape the growth of the wider company. DPP is committed to providing learning and development opportunities to everyone. DPP offers excellent opportunities for career progression – seven of the current Board Directors have been promoted from within the company.
We offer a bespoke, award-winning training programme which has been curated to offer a mixture of formal seminar training, one-to-one training, and project learning experience. Formal training includes monthly in-house training seminars and occasions throughout the year to attend full-day training sessions. You will also have access to sessions run externally by various institutes and industry professionals. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to attend networking events with other planning and property professionals and get involved in our active social and corporate social responsibility calendar.
Key Attributes
- Has achieved RTPI chartership MRTPI
- Comprehensive experience across a range of sectors
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage time across multiple major projects effectively
- Very good communication skills (verbally and in written form)
- Excellent understanding of the planning system
- Experience in leading and managing multiple complex applications and providing strategic advice
- Competent user of Microsoft 365 products
- Experience mentoring and managing colleagues to assist in their professional development
- A ‘team player’ that will contribute to the growth and success of the Leeds team and wider company
Preferred, but not Essential, Attributes
- Experience working on projects in Yorkshire and/or the North West
- Experience working on projects in the energy sector
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Car allowance (senior level and above)
- £1,000 salary increase once you achieve MRTPI chartership
- Perkbox (benefit and reward platform)
- 25 days holiday per year plus additional Christmas leave
- Long service gift and additional holidays
- Monthly early finish (once a month you can take a half day on a Friday)
- BUPA (medical and dental)
- Income protection and life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP+ through Unum ‘Help at Hand’)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Annual bespoke training programme
- Eye tests and glasses contribution
- Paid RTPI membership fees
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme (max 8% from DPP)
- Company socials and events, including an annual ‘all company’ event
- Opportunities and support to undertake networking and Business Development activities
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The successful candidate may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the business.
Application Process
The closing date for applicants is June 30th 2025 at 5pm. However, please apply as early as possible as we may close the process early. Interviews will take place at a suitable time and location for both parties, ideally, we would like to complete interviews in person at our Leeds office. In advance of the interview, you will be required to complete a planning appraisal task which will form part of the discussion during the interview. Please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments that we can put in place to support your application process with us.
If you are interested in a role with us and meet some or all of the key attributes, we would love to hear from you. Please apply by submitting your CV and Cover Letter to careers@dppukltd.com.
Principal Planner – Leeds employer: DPP group
Contact Detail:
DPP group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner – Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with DPP's key people values: Balance, Integrity, Professionalism, Dependability, Respect, and Teamwork. During your interactions, whether in networking or interviews, demonstrate how you embody these values in your work and collaborations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research recent projects that DPP has undertaken, especially those in Leeds and the surrounding areas. Being able to discuss these projects and their impact during your interview will show your genuine interest in the company and its work.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with local planning and property professionals through networking events or online forums. Building connections in the industry can provide insights into DPP's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the planning appraisal task mentioned in the job description by reviewing case studies and current planning issues in the UK. This will not only help you perform well in the task but also give you talking points for your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner – Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Values: Before you start writing your application, take some time to understand DPP's key people values: Balance, Integrity, Professionalism, Dependability, Respect, and Teamwork. Make sure to reflect these values in your CV and cover letter.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight your experience in planning consultancy, particularly in sectors relevant to DPP such as Education, Residential, and Energy. Use specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the job requirements and how you can contribute to the Leeds team. Mention any relevant experience in mentoring or managing colleagues.
Prepare for the Planning Appraisal Task: Since you'll need to complete a planning appraisal task before the interview, practice this type of assessment. Familiarise yourself with common planning scenarios and be ready to discuss your approach during the interview.
How to prepare for a job interview at DPP group
✨Understand the Company Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with DPP's key people values: Balance, Integrity, Professionalism, Dependability, Respect, and Teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and provide examples from your past experiences.
✨Prepare for the Planning Appraisal Task
As part of the interview process, you'll need to complete a planning appraisal task. Make sure to review any relevant materials and practice your analytical skills. This will not only help you perform well but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
DPP values strong communication skills, both verbal and written. During the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a few key points about your experience that highlight your ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
DPP is looking for someone who can contribute to the growth and success of the team. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in the past, mentored others, or contributed to team projects. This will show that you're not just focused on individual success but also on the team's achievements.
