At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse planning projects and manage client relationships with a focus on innovative solutions.
- Company: Join a respected property consultancy with a century of expertise and a national presence.
- Benefits: Up to £60,000 salary, bonus, car allowance, private medical, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a clear pathway for career progression.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role with real influence and opportunities for personal growth.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with strong client management and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
I'm working with a confidential client (one of the UK's most respected property consultancies) to appoint an Associate Director of Planning - a key strategic hire for their growing team. With a heritage spanning over a century and a nationwide network of offices, this business combines deep local expertise with a truly national and international platform, advising on everything from strategic land and development through to high-value estates and investment projects.
The Role
- Lead a broad range of planning projects including applications, appeals and Local Plan work
- Work with landowners, developers and promoters on high-quality, often complex schemes
- Take ownership of client relationships and deliver commercially focused advice
- Support senior colleagues while building your own profile and client base
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
- Join a market-leading, multi-disciplinary consultancy with a reputation for excellence across residential, rural and commercial sectors
- Be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team backed by global expertise and resources
- Work on diverse, high-value projects with sophisticated clients
- Strong emphasis on innovation, tailored client advice and long-term relationships
- Clear pathway to grow your personal brand and leadership profile
What We're Looking For
- MRTPI qualified with a strong track record of progression
- Experience in private or public sector planning
- Strong client management and communication skills
- Commercially aware and able to manage competing priorities
- A proactive, solutions-driven mindset
Package
- Up to £60,000
- Bonus + car allowance
- Private medical, enhanced pension, life assurance
- Hybrid working + excellent wider benefits
This is a genuine priority hire with strong visibility internally - ideal for someone looking to step into a senior role with real influence and long-term progression.
Associate Director of Planning in Surrey employer: James & Partners Careers
Join a prestigious rural surveying practice in Perth, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values autonomy and professional growth. With hybrid and remote working options, competitive salary packages, and the opportunity to lead significant client projects, this role offers a fulfilling career path for experienced MRICS Rural Surveyors. The company is committed to your development, providing access to mentorship and the chance to shape the future of rural valuations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Planning in Surrey
✨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 James & Partners Careers 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 Associate Director of Planning in Surrey
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 James & Partners Careers!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to James & Partners Careers. 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 James & Partners Careers
✨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 James & Partners Careers.
