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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning projects, manage client relationships, and ensure quality deliverables.
- Company: Join an award-winning planning team focused on sustainable development and environmental impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling climate change and housing issues while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or environmental science; project management experience preferred.
- Other info: LUC values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 41400 £ per year.
We are looking for a Principal Strategic Planner to join our friendly, award-winning 80-strong planning team. Our strategic planning services include national and local policy development, plan-making support and evidence work as well as integrated impact assessment. We are excited about the government’s introduction of the sub-regional tier of plan-making and are well-placed to provide advice and support to help deliver the new statutory requirements. We also provide research, evaluation, and training services at all levels.
Our sectoral interests include climate change and energy, green infrastructure and nature recovery, agri-environment policy, Green Belt and countryside policy, the water environment, housing, minerals and waste. We work collaboratively with LUC’s historic environment, ecology and landscape services, as well as with a range of co-consultants. We maintain long-term and fruitful partnerships with clients in the public and private sectors, voluntary and third-sector. We listen carefully to clients’ needs, help inform their thinking about the challenges ahead, and provide intelligent, multidisciplinary responses.
We’re amongst the top five providers of planning services to local authorities in England and have framework contracts with major energy companies, Sport England, Forestry England, and the Royal Parks amongst others. We’re looking to boost project management capacity within the Strategic Planning team at Principal level in order to meet increasing demand for our services. Our team has never been busier as we support numerous local authorities around the country to navigate the government's planning reforms and continue to prepare sound and sustainable plans that respond to the current climate and ecological crises, housing shortages and health and social inequalities.
The Principal Strategic Planner role will involve:
- Managing medium-sized projects, including dealing directly with clients, attending meetings, reviewing budgets/programme, report preparation and adherence to our quality management procedures.
- Responsibility for internal team briefing and oversight of tasks and external sub-consultants where relevant.
- Tender preparation and other business development activities, including attending tender interviews.
A full-time role would be based on 37.5 hours Monday to Friday. However, LUC has a strong track record in flexible working and we have been recognised for our flexible working culture, so we are happy to discuss a range of flexible working options for this role including part time hours (minimum 30 hours per week) if desired.
Salary: £39,000 to £46,000 FTE Depending on experience (Plus £4,000 London allowance if applicable)
About you: We are looking for a motivated, proactive project manager with some or all of the skills, knowledge and behaviours below:
- Educated to degree level, ideally in a relevant planning or environmental degree e.g., planning, geography, environmental science. Or able to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and expertise.
- Experience of managing strategic planning projects either through previous consultancy or local authority roles.
- Experience of undertaking, managing and/or commissioning local plan preparation including relevant evidence studies, supporting documents and policy-making.
- Excellent report writing and numeracy skills.
- Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to building relationships with colleagues and clients.
- Experience of undertaking, managing and/or commissioning statutory impact assessment processes such as Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment, Health Impact Assessment and Equalities Impact Assessment.
- Knowledge of one or more of our sectoral interests, in particular climate change, green infrastructure and/or nature recovery.
- Experience of line management and mentoring.
- Membership or working towards full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Please apply by uploading your CV and covering letter via the above link. LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. We value the differences, needs and contributions a diverse workforce represents, and we strive to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all our people related activities.
Principal Planner employer: Landuse
Contact Detail:
Landuse Recruiting Team
talent@landuse.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest government planning reforms and how they impact local authorities. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience with strategic planning projects. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by discussing specific examples of past projects you've managed. Highlight your ability to handle budgets, timelines, and client relationships, as these are crucial for the Principal Planner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research LUC's recent projects and partnerships to understand their approach and values. Tailoring your discussions around their work can demonstrate your genuine interest in joining their team and your alignment with their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategic planning and project management. Emphasise any roles where you've managed projects, dealt with clients, or prepared reports, as these are key aspects of the Principal Planner role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss your understanding of the challenges in strategic planning, particularly in relation to climate change and housing shortages, and how your skills can contribute to their goals.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your excellent report writing and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've built relationships with clients and colleagues, as this is crucial for the role. Mention any experience with statutory impact assessments, as this is a significant part of the job.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a Principal Planner.
How to prepare for a job interview at Landuse
✨Know Your Sector
Familiarise yourself with the key issues in climate change, green infrastructure, and nature recovery. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully managed strategic planning projects. Highlight your ability to handle budgets, client communications, and team oversight.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, consider how you can demonstrate this during the interview through your responses and questions.
✨Prepare for Tender Interviews
Since the role involves tender preparation and business development, be ready to discuss your experience in these areas. Think about how you can contribute to winning new projects and maintaining client relationships.
