At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex planning projects and mentor junior team members in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Award-winning, independent planning consultancy with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, flexible working, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team and make a real impact in London.
- Why this job: Shape high-profile projects and grow your leadership skills in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with significant experience in planning consultancy.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
An award-winning, independent planning consultancy is seeking an Associate Planning Director to join its London office as part of its continued growth. Our client is a highly respected, design-led planning practice with a strong reputation for delivering commercially astute advice across complex residential, mixed-use, commercial, and strategic development projects. With an established presence in London and a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, the business offers an excellent platform for senior planners looking to step into a leadership-focused role.
The Role
- Leading and overseeing complex planning applications, appeals, and strategic promotions
- Acting as a trusted adviser to high-profile private and public sector clients
- Managing client relationships and contributing to repeat business
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members
- Contributing to business development, networking, and profile-raising activity
- Working closely with colleagues across planning, design, and development disciplines
This is a pivotal position offering the opportunity to shape projects at a strategic level while contributing to the continued growth of a dynamic London team.
About You
- MRTPI qualified
- Significant experience within a planning consultancy environment
- Strong track record of leading major or complex planning projects in London
- Commercially aware with strong negotiation skills
- Confident client manager with established professional networks
- Ambitious and motivated to contribute at leadership level
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and discretionary bonus
- Clear pathway toward Planning Director level
- Exposure to high-profile, design-led projects
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment
- Flexible working arrangements
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner ready to take the next step in their career within a forward-thinking and highly regarded consultancy. For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.
Associate Planning Director employer: Lily Lifestyle
Join an award-winning, independent planning consultancy in London that champions a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, offering a competitive salary, discretionary bonuses, and flexible working arrangements. As an Associate Planning Director, you will have the opportunity to lead complex projects and mentor junior team members while contributing to high-profile developments in a dynamic environment that prioritises professional growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Planning Director
✨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 Lily Lifestyle 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 Planning Director
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 Lily Lifestyle!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Lily Lifestyle. 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 Lily Lifestyle
✨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 Lily Lifestyle.