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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse planning projects and shape strategic planning strategies.
- Company: Established UK property consultancy with a strong national presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and excellent career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a respected team and make a real impact in the planning sector.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with strong client-facing and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Locations: Key office = Guildford
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.
Professional Skills & Qualifications
- Chartered membership of the RTPI.
- Excellent research and analytical capabilities.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and internet research.
Benefits Package
Our client offers an award-winning benefits programme designed to support and reward employees, including:
- Private medical insurance
- 27 days annual leave + public holidays (option to purchase up to 5 additional days)
- Health screening and wellbeing support
- Gym and leisure discounts
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Eye care vouchers
- Travel and retail discounts
- Volunteering opportunities
- Social events, sports teams and charity involvement
- Workplace pension
- Company car allowance
- Life assurance at 8× basic salary
- Group income protection (long-term disability)
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Bonus scheme eligibility
- Share incentive plan
- Financial planning and mortgage advice support
Why This Role Matters
This is a rare opportunity to join a truly national planning team that combines deep local insight with strategic land advisory capability, trusted by private estates, developers and institutional clients alike. The successful candidate will enjoy a high level of autonomy, the chance to work on diverse schemes across residential, mixed-use and strategic land portfolios, and the platform to accelerate their professional profile.
Locations
Planner in Guildford, Surrey employer: James & Partners
Contact Detail:
James & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner in Guildford, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join local planning groups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled challenges. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and client-facing abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings that match your skills and aspirations, and apply directly for a better chance!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner in Guildford, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Planner role. Highlight your MRTPI qualifications and relevant experience in planning delivery. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language but let your personality shine through. We love a bit of flair!
Demonstrate Your Project Management Experience: In your application, share specific examples of projects you've led from start to finish. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver successful outcomes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our national planning team!
How to prepare for a job interview at James & Partners
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge, especially around local policies and recent case studies. Being able to discuss specific projects or planning applications you've worked on will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Client Skills
Since this role involves advising landowners and developers, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you've navigated stakeholder management to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Prowess
Be ready to talk about your project management experience. Discuss how you've led projects from inception to completion, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will illustrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of an Associate Director.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to planning and their future projects. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals and values.