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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse planning projects and shape strategic planning initiatives.
- Company: Established UK property consultancy with a strong national presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while building your professional reputation.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with strong client-facing and project management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Locations: Key locations including Guildford, Lewes, Cirencester and Salisbury
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
About the Opportunity
We are working with an established national UK property consultancy with a historic reputation for combining deep local market expertise with strategic, commercially-driven planning and land advisory services. The business operates through a network of 50+ offices across England and Scotland, providing specialist support in residential, commercial, rural and strategic land sectors, and forms part of a wider global real estate group with international reach and resources. This is a key senior planning appointment, with hiring focused in key locations including Guildford, Lewes, Cirencester and Salisbury, offering the opportunity to lead challenging and varied planning projects, shape planning strategy, and contribute to the growth of a respected national planning team.
The Role
As an Associate Director, Planning, you will be responsible for:
- Leading a range of planning applications, appeals and Local Plan matters.
- Advising landowners, developers and land promoters on planning strategy and delivery.
- Leading your own projects from inception to successful completion.
- Supporting senior colleagues with complex cases and contributing to practice development initiatives.
- Building long-term client relationships and, over time, developing your own client base.
You will operate within a supportive, collaborative multidisciplinary environment with access to expertise in development management, estate management, strategic land and wider commercial property teams.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Requirements
- MRTPI qualified (Chartered Town Planner) with demonstrable career progression and planning delivery experience.
- Strong client-facing skills with the ability to manage stakeholders at all levels.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and reporting skills.
- The ability to work well within a team while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
- A proactive, commercially astute individual with a flexible, solution-orientated approach.
Competencies
- Agility in managing multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
- Initiative and self-motivation with minimal supervision.
- Commercial awareness with a focus on delivering high standards of client service.
- Strong organisational skills, including time and budget management.
- A commitment to continuous professional improvement and quality delivery.
Person Specification
- A natural team player with the aspiration to build a strong professional reputation and local profile.
- The ability to form and maintain effective relationships with clients, colleagues, advisors and external partners.
- Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering successful planning outcomes in a timely manner.
Associate Director of Planning employer: James & Partners
Contact Detail:
James & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Planning
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local planning events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements. Whether it’s a website or a simple PDF, make sure it reflects your skills and experience as a planner. This is your chance to shine and show potential employers what you can bring to the table!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and client management abilities.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our job listings on the StudySmarter website! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also shows your commitment to joining our team. Plus, we love seeing familiar names pop up in our applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Director of Planning role. Highlight your MRTPI qualifications and relevant experience in planning delivery, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate these skills. Keep your language clear and professional, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos!
Highlight Your Client-Facing Experience: We want to see your strong client-facing skills in action! Share examples of how you've managed stakeholders and built relationships in previous roles, as this is crucial for success in our collaborative environment.
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 role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at James & Partners
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning regulations and local policies relevant to the areas you're applying for. Being able to discuss specific projects or case studies that demonstrate your expertise will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable professional ready to lead.
✨Showcase Your Client Skills
Since this role involves strong client-facing skills, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Think about times when you’ve navigated complex situations or delivered exceptional service – these stories will highlight your ability to build long-term client relationships.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration within a multidisciplinary environment. Be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before, especially in managing competing priorities. Highlight your flexibility and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s planning strategy and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
