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- Tasks: Lead complex infrastructure planning projects and manage stakeholder engagement.
- Company: First Recruitment Group values people and diversity, ensuring the right fit for clients and candidates.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with 2 days in the office and potential contract extension.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making impactful decisions in infrastructure planning while enhancing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: RTPI accredited degree and chartered membership or eligibility required.
- Other info: This role offers maternity cover with a start date of 1 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our client is looking to recruit a Principal Planner for a contract in Cambourne/Cambridge.
Location: Cambourne/Cambridge
Hybrid Working: 2 days per week in the office
Inside IR35
Start Date: 1 June 2025
Contract Length: 12 months with potential to extend (Maternity Cover)
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on complex infrastructure planning projects including TWAO and NSIP schemes.
- Project manage the end-to-end infrastructure planning project process, including stakeholder engagement, risk management, evidence preparation, and public inquiries.
- Represent the shared planning service in high-level meetings with applicants, statutory consultees, elected members, legal counsel, and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate internal and external inputs across planning, transport, environment, legal and other technical services.
- Support policy alignment with Local Plans, National Policy Statements (NPS), and government infrastructure priorities.
Skills and Experience:
- Strong project management skills, including proven experience of leading complex infrastructure planning projects under the TWAO and NSIP regulatory regimes from inception to decision (Essential)
- Excellent understanding of UK planning legislation and policy, including the Planning Act 2008 and TWA 1992 (Essential)
- Proven ability to co-ordinate multi-disciplinary teams, manage competing deadlines, and ensure delivery of high-quality outputs (Essential)
- Experience of preparing Local Impact Reports, Relevant Representations, and Written Representations for NSIPs (Essential)
- Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, including working with local communities, developers, legal advisors, and statutory consultees (Essential)
- Experience of taking part in public inquiry or the formal examination process participation (Desirable)
- Experience with Planning Performance Agreements, using project tracking tools and digital planning systems (Desirable)
- Full clean driving licence (Essential)
Qualifications:
- RTPI accredited degree in Town Planning or related discipline.
- Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligible for it.
At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Principal Planner looking for new employment. As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.
[Insert title here] in Cambridge employer: First Technical Recruitment
Contact Detail:
First Technical Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land [Insert title here] in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific infrastructure planning projects that are currently ongoing in the Cambourne/Cambridge area. Understanding local challenges and opportunities will help you engage more effectively with stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of planning, especially those who have experience with TWAOs and NSIPs. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or referrals for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experiences in detail, particularly any complex infrastructure projects you've led. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in stakeholder engagement and risk management.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent projects to align your discussion points during interviews. Showing that you understand their mission and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace [Insert title here] in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your project management skills and experience with TWAO and NSIP schemes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead complex infrastructure planning projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Explain how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your RTPI accredited degree and any relevant certifications, such as your Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI). This will reinforce your suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Understanding of Legislation: Demonstrate your knowledge of UK planning legislation, especially the Planning Act 2008 and TWA 1992. Mention any experience you have with Environmental Impact Assessments and Local Impact Reports to strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Technical Recruitment
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of UK planning legislation, especially the Planning Act 2008 and TWA 1992. Brush up on key regulations like the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Project Management Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex infrastructure planning projects. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've led projects from inception to decision, highlighting your ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and manage competing deadlines.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong stakeholder engagement skills by sharing experiences where you've successfully worked with local communities, developers, and statutory consultees. Highlight any negotiation skills you possess, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Public Inquiries
If you have experience with public inquiries or formal examination processes, be prepared to discuss this in detail. If not, consider researching common challenges faced during these processes and how you would approach them.
