Planning Assistant in Belfast

At Breen Planning, we are dedicated to providing exceptional planning services that help shape communities and create sustainable environments. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and commitment to delivering the best outcomes for our clients and stakeholders.

We are seeking a Planning Assistant to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess strong organisational skills, effective communication abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. This role will primarily assist in the preparation and coordination of planning applications, facilitating engagement with clients and stakeholders, and supporting the planning team in various tasks. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated with a desire for client satisfaction.

This Planning Assistant role requires a commitment of 25 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate individual preferences and commitments. Most of the work can be performed remotely, allowing for convenience and work-life balance. However, there may be a weekly requirement for a site visit or attendance at the office to collaborate with team members and engage with clients, ensuring effective communication and project progression. This hybrid approach enables our employees to enjoy the benefits of remote work while still fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Assist in the preparation and organisation of planning documents, reports, and presentations using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Support site appraisals through background research.
• Update Project Trackers through Microsoft Excel and similar software.
• Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders to gather information, respond to inquiries, and provide updates on projects.
• Support the planning team in research and data collection to inform planning decisions.
• Maintain and organize project files and databases for easy access and tracking.
• Collaborate with team members and external consultants to ensure project timelines are met and deliverables are achieved efficiently.
• Attend and participate in meetings, taking notes and following up on action items as needed.

• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Strong ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for document creation, data analysis, and presentations.
• Email Coordination: Effective management of email communications, including scheduling meetings, responding to inquiries, and maintaining correspondence.
• Project Updating: Ability to help track project progress, update timelines, and maintain organized project documentation.
• Client Engagement: Strong interpersonal skills to engage with clients, understand their needs, and provide timely updates on project status.
• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent communication skills to interact with various stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective information exchange.
• Organisational Skills: Solid organisational abilities to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain attention to detail.
• Research and Data Collection: Capability to conduct research and gather relevant data to support planning initiatives.
• Knowledge of Planning Systems: Familiarity with planning policies, regulations, and legislation relevant to urban and regional planning.
• Research Abilities: Strong research skills to gather and synthesize information on various planning topics and projects.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to ensure accuracy and consistency in documentation and data entry.
• Presentation Skills: Experience in creating presentations that effectively communicate planning concepts and project updates to stakeholders.
• Time Management: Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to quickly learn new tools and technologies relevant to planning and project management.
• Networking Skills: Competence in building and maintaining professional relationships with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues within the industry.