At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major planning applications and provide expert advice to clients and stakeholders.
- Company: Join Waterman Aspen, a people-centred organisation focused on development management and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health insurance, company car, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working model with opportunities for professional growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in planning while gaining diverse experience across public and private sectors.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning, RTPI membership, and significant experience in Development Management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 € per year.
A unique company, Waterman Aspen is a specialist professional services provider, supporting the delivery of development management, infrastructure and place‐shaping projects across the UK. We work in partnership with both public and private sector clients, providing experienced planners and technical specialists to strengthen capacity, improve outcomes and support confident decision‐making.
Our model is intentionally flexible. Through secondments and project‐based support, we place the right people with the right skills into client teams at the right time. Our clients include local authorities, government bodies, consultancies and developers, and we work as trusted, embedded members of their teams.
We are a people‐centred organisation and take pride in supporting our colleagues throughout their careers. Mutual respect, professionalism and trust sit at the heart of how we work. This is reflected in our commitment to wellbeing, family‐friendly policies, inclusion and social value, alongside our focus on sustainability and net‐zero ambitions.
Joining Waterman Aspen as a Senior / Principal Planner means becoming part of a supportive, experienced Town Planning team while working on a diverse range of public and private sector projects across the UK. You can expect a role that offers exposure to a wide client base, allowing you to apply your expertise, develop new skills and build a strong professional profile.
Experience required:
- Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline, with Chartered Membership of the RTPI (or working towards chartership at Senior level where appropriate).
- Significant experience working in a Development Management role within the public sector, consultancy or a client‐facing planning environment.
- Strong understanding and practical application of UK planning policy and legislation.
- Proven ability to manage major and complex planning applications.
- Experience producing high‐quality, robust reports and recommendations.
- Confident communicator, able to engage effectively with applicants, stakeholders, members and multidisciplinary teams.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to meet client requirements.
Desirable:
- Experience working across both public and private sector planning environments.
- Involvement in planning appeals, including preparation of evidence or expert witness experience.
- Experience of negotiating on complex schemes.
Role and responsibilities:
- Lead on pre‐application discussions and the assessment and determination of major and complex planning applications.
- Provide clear, high‐quality professional planning advice to clients, applicants, consultees and councillors.
- Prepare robust, well‐reasoned reports and recommendations for delegated and committee decisions.
- Negotiate with applicants, stakeholders and local communities to secure high‐quality, policy‐compliant development.
- Support planning appeals and complex casework.
- Maintain up‐to‐date knowledge of planning policy to support effective service delivery and client objectives.
- Operate confidently within busy planning environments.
The role may be appointed at Senior or Principal level depending on experience. Principal Planners will typically lead the most complex casework and provide informal technical guidance and mentoring to colleagues and client teams.
As a salaried colleague, you’ll get a salary in line with your experience, skills and location along with an industry-leading benefits package:
- Company car or car allowance
- Contribution to commuting mileage
- Permanent health insurance
- 25 days annual leave (option to buy up to 5 more)
- Company pension contribution
- Salary sacrifice to buy additional benefits
- 1 paid Waterman Aspen in the Community Day to volunteer in your local community
Principal Planner (Development Management) in Bristol employer: LinkedIn
Waterman Aspen is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its employees, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a focus on flexible working arrangements and diverse project opportunities across the UK, employees can expect to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact in the planning sector. The company also provides an industry-leading benefits package, including health insurance, generous leave options, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring a rewarding and balanced career experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner (Development Management) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a planner, you’ll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your ability to explain your experience and approach to planning challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get those applications in and let’s make an impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner (Development Management) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience in Development Management and how it aligns with our values at Waterman Aspen.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills have made a tangible impact in previous roles. Use specific examples that reflect your understanding of UK planning policy and legislation.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your reports and recommendations are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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 without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK planning policy and legislation. Being able to discuss current and emerging changes confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re also engaged with the evolving landscape of development management.
✨Prepare for Complex Case Discussions
Given the nature of the role, be ready to talk about your experience managing major and complex planning applications. Have specific examples in mind that highlight your ability to navigate challenges and deliver robust recommendations, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior/Principal Planner, you'll need to engage effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully negotiated with applicants or local communities, ensuring you highlight your ability to manage competing priorities.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork and Mentoring Experience
Since the role involves leading teams and providing guidance, be prepared to share examples of how you've supported colleagues in the past. Discuss any mentoring experiences or how you've contributed to team success, as this aligns with the people-centred culture of the company.
