At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Newcastle team to deliver innovative planning solutions across diverse sectors.
- Company: DPP is a leading independent planning consultancy with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive employee benefits including training and social events.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and excellent career progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: RTPI chartership and experience in managing complex planning applications are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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 Senior or Principal Town Planner to join our Newcastle team. The successful candidate will be working on a variety of projects nationwide. This is a perfect opportunity to progress your career, knowledge, and expertise and assist in the delivery of exceptional planning services across various sectors, including Business, Defence, Education, Energy, Food & Drink, Health, Sport and Leisure, Residential, and Retail. We act for many high‑profile clients, including some of the country’s major contractors, land developers, housebuilders, and retail operators.
The Newcastle team is looking to recruit an experienced planning consultant to build on their excellent track record in the region and across the country. In recent years, the team has secured permission for some major, award‑winning high‑profile schemes including Morpeth Leisure Centre in Northumberland, the Maker and Faber building and pedestrian bridge in Sunderland, and the Day Treatment Centre at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. We have secured numerous university facilities, schools, and residential schemes as well as hundreds of urban living apartments in Newcastle City Centre.
DPP are currently leading planning on Baltic Quarter Gateshead with Muse which will deliver 1,600 new homes and new public spaces, a 620,000sqft industrial and logistics scheme known as ‘Airlink at Newcastle International Airport’, and a £170m skyscraping mixed-use scheme at New Bridge Street, to name a few.
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 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 have the opportunity to attend networking events and awards dinners with other planning and property professionals.
In terms of attributes, we are seeking candidates who can satisfy the following:
- 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 the North East and/or the North West
- Experience working on projects in education, large scale residential and mixed-use urban development sector
Employee Benefits include:
- 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.
Senior or Principal Planner – Newcastle employer: DPP group
DPP is an exceptional employer that prioritises a collaborative and supportive work environment, making it an ideal place for Senior or Principal Planners to thrive in Newcastle. With a strong commitment to employee growth, DPP offers extensive training programmes, flexible working arrangements, and a vibrant company culture that encourages teamwork and community involvement. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of urban development across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior or Principal Planner – Newcastle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! DPP values teamwork and respect, so show that you embody these traits in your interactions. Research their recent projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or connect with current employees on LinkedIn. This can give you insider info about the company and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to planning and project management. Think about specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to DPP's projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior or Principal Planner – Newcastle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for planning shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how they align with DPP's values. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the planning sector.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior or Principal Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about DPP and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at DPP group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the planning system and DPP's recent projects. Being able to discuss specific cases like the Morpeth Leisure Centre or the Baltic Quarter Gateshead will show that you're genuinely interested and informed.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
DPP values teamwork highly, so be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles. Highlight any mentoring experiences too, as they’re looking for someone who can help develop the team.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key for this role, prepare to demonstrate your verbal and written skills. You might be asked to explain complex planning concepts simply, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with DPP's core values: Balance, Integrity, Professionalism, Dependability, Respect, and Teamwork. Think of ways you've embodied these values in your work and be ready to discuss them during the interview.
