Senior or Associate Town Planner (Planning Consultancy) in Manchester

Senior or Associate Town Planner (Planning Consultancy) in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
H

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to shape the future of urban spaces and regeneration projects.
  • Company: Hive Land & Planning, an award-winning consultancy in Manchester.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days leave, and hybrid working options.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with direct access to leadership and exciting project opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while enjoying career growth and recognition.
  • Qualifications: MRTPI chartered with 2-5 years of town planning experience.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Join a consultancy advising on large-scale regeneration and new settlements.

  • Permanent, full-time Planning roles (part-time considered for the right candidate)
  • Salary by level: Senior £37k–£46k | Associate £46k–£58k
  • Inclusion in the bonus scheme
  • Hybrid: Manchester City Centre fringe / home working
  • 25 days' annual leave + birthday off + Christmas to New Year closure
  • Comprehensive pension and benefits
  • Office: Manchester City Centre fringe (Salford)

Why join Hive?

  • Work on projects you'll have heard of — Homes England sites, the Barrow Housing Delivery Strategy, Cotton Works Wigan, Preston City Living, Ashton MDZ
  • Genuine career progression pathway
  • Recognition in a small, growing team — what you do gets noticed and rewarded
  • Bonus scheme inclusion from day 1
  • Direct access to the Directors
  • A "no egos" culture — partnership and collaboration
  • Be part of some of the region's most high-profile regeneration and housing delivery projects

About Hive

Hive is Insider North West Property Consultancy of the Year 2026 and RTPI Mid-Sized Planning Consultancy of the Year 2026. We advise on town planning, development surveying and socio-economics across the UK, specialising in large-scale residential-led regeneration and new settlements. We've grown to 11 people since 2018 and we’ve got further growth in mind — this hire is part of a wider plan to add 3–4 roles in 2026.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll join our Planning team working alongside experienced consultants on high-profile schemes. You’ll be encouraged to innovate, take ownership and get involved across the wider Hive business.

Essential

  • MRTPI chartered
  • 2–5 years post-qualification experience in a town planning role
  • Full-time paid town planning experience (student placements don’t count)
  • Public or private sector background — both welcome
  • Demonstrable residential and/or regeneration experience
  • Excellent written, verbal and analytical skills
  • Comfortable running workstreams independently and building client relationships
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and a growth mindset
  • Solution-focused, collaborative and personable
  • Self-motivated and comfortable with autonomy

Preferred specialisms

  • Any of the following would be a plus: residential, garden villages / new settlements / new towns, urban regeneration, masterplanning / placemaking, public-sector advisory, RP / affordable, commercial.

Geography

Based within Greater Manchester or within approximately a 1-hour commute of Manchester (by car or public transport). Candidates genuinely willing to relocate will also be considered. This is a hybrid role — not fully remote. Project work is UK-wide; the team is Manchester-centred.

Three ways to apply:

  • Apply via LinkedIn — Easy Apply on our company page
  • Email your CV and a short note to Stuart Sage, Director — stuart.sage@hiveland.co.uk
  • Prefer a confidential chat first? Message Stuart on LinkedIn or call 07584 274126

Senior or Associate Town Planner (Planning Consultancy) in Manchester employer: Hive Land & Planning

Hive Land & Planning is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Manchester, where you can engage in high-profile regeneration projects that truly make a difference. With a strong focus on employee growth, a collaborative culture free from egos, and direct access to leadership, you'll find ample opportunities for recognition and career progression. Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and generous benefits including 25 days' annual leave plus your birthday off, making Hive a rewarding place to advance your planning career.

H

Contact Details:

Hive Land & Planning Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior or Associate Town Planner (Planning Consultancy) in Manchester

Get Your Portfolio Game On Point

As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!

Slide into Networking Events

Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Hive Land & Planning who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!

Learn the Software Inside Out

Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.

Refine Your Interview Skills

Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior or Associate Town Planner (Planning Consultancy) in Manchester

MRTPI Chartered
Post-Qualification Experience in Town Planning
Residential Experience
Regeneration Experience
Excellent Written Skills
Excellent Verbal Skills
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Hive Land & Planning!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Hive Land & Planning. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hive Land & Planning

Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Hive Land & Planning.