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, generous leave, and a supportive work culture.
- 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, significant experience in Development Management, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
An introduction to our unique company Waterman Aspen is a specialist professional services provider, supporting the delivery of development management, infrastructure and place‐shaping projects across the UK, particularly where organisations are facing skills shortages, increasing caseloads and complex delivery pressures. 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 at the point it matters most.
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—whether that's helping organisations manage sustained capacity pressures, progress backlogs, support critical projects, or navigate organisational and policy change.
Our clients include local authorities, government bodies, consultancies and developers, and we work as trusted, embedded members of their teams to support confident, defensible decision‐making. 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. We are a Disability Confident Employer and an accredited Real Living Wage Employer.
We have clear ambitions for the future and a growing Town Planning offer that plays a key role in supporting our clients and communities. If you're looking to make a tangible impact, support organisations under real delivery pressure, and gain wide‐ranging experience across the planning sector, we'd like to hear from you.
Your career with Waterman Aspen 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, often in environments where additional capacity, experience and judgement are critical. You'll enjoy the stability and benefits of permanent employment, combined with the variety, challenge and professional breadth that comes from working across different organisations and project environments.
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. Our clients actively value the contribution of Waterman Aspen colleagues, creating opportunities for meaningful technical involvement and professional growth.
The secondment‐led model also offers flexibility—giving you the chance to broaden your experience with each new assignment, step into different planning contexts quickly, and add value from day one, without the disruption of changing employer. We support career development at every stage, with access to training, mentoring and guidance from experienced managers and peers, helping you progress towards your professional or academic goals.
Alongside this, we offer paid professional subscriptions, regular social and volunteering opportunities, and a culture that values balance, wellbeing and long‐term development.
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, with the ability to operate at Senior or Principal level.
- Strong understanding and practical application of UK planning policy and legislation, including current and emerging changes.
- Proven ability to manage major and complex planning applications, including pre‐application advice and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
- Experience producing high‐quality, robust reports and recommendations, including for delegated decisions and planning committees.
- 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 and contributing to the delivery of high‐profile or large‐scale developments.
Role and responsibilities
As a Senior / Principal Planner you will:
- Lead on pre‐application discussions and the assessment and determination of major and complex planning applications for both public and private sector clients, including Planning Performance Agreements.
- Provide clear, high‐quality professional planning advice to clients, applicants, consultees and councillors, helping manage risk, complexity and competing priorities, while supporting sound decision‐making and positive outcomes.
- Prepare robust, well‐reasoned reports and recommendations for delegated and committee decisions, supporting timely, defensible outcomes in line with current policy and legislation.
- Negotiate with applicants, stakeholders and local communities to secure high‐quality, policy‐compliant development.
- Support planning appeals and complex casework, including the preparation and presentation of professional evidence as required.
- Maintain up‐to‐date knowledge of planning policy to support effective service delivery and client objectives.
- Operate confidently within busy planning environments, quickly understanding local context and priorities to help teams progress work effectively under pressure.
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.
You'll get this and so much more
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), in addition to the normal public holidays (based on a 40 hour week, pro rata for part-time colleagues)
- 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 England 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 flexible secondment model, you will gain diverse experience across various public and private sector projects, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, generous leave, and opportunities for community engagement. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the planning sector and develop your career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner (Development Management) in England
✨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. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who genuinely cares about making an impact in development management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of a Senior/Principal Planner. Highlight your successes in managing complex applications and your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner (Development Management) in England
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 follow and well-structured.
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.
