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- Tasks: Lead exciting development projects and provide expert planning advice across the UK.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at an award-winning planning consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and employee ownership opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a hybrid model with excellent career growth and diverse project opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable projects in renewable energy, education, and more.
- Qualifications: Experience in development planning and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 69220 £ per year.
This role can be based from our Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol, or London office. We are seeking an experienced Town Planner to deliver an exciting range of projects across the UK. From early advice on planning strategy and feasibility through to securing planning permission and providing post consent support, you will be a technically confident planning advisor to our public and private sector clients across our key sectors.
You will provide senior support to your local development planning team and wider team, supported by the Development Planning service lead and team members. Working confidently with colleagues from across LUC you will help to develop opportunities for multi-disciplinary projects at a range of scales.
Our award‑winning team includes 80 planners, across our offices in London, Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff. Our key sectors are renewable energy, education, sport and recreation, historic environment, agriculture and forestry, housing and mixed‑use development. With our complementary landscape, heritage, ecology, climate change and EIA services, we help clients to maximise the potential of their development.
Our current projects include advising on wind, solar, energy storage and grid upgrade projects for private and public sector clients; masterplans and major projects for schools; landmark developments in historic parks and gardens; new facilities for sport and recreation; and parks, recreation and housing schemes for local authorities.
The role includes the opportunity to share and participate actively in the management and ownership of the business through the Employee Ownership Trust, which places full ownership of the company with the employees. The role can be based in LUC’s Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol or London office. We work in a hybrid model with people being in the office a minimum of two days per week. There will also be travel required to visit sites, client offices and other office locations.
A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week (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: £47,000 to £69,220 FTE, dependent on experience (plus London allowance of £4,000 if applicable)
Experience and qualifications
- This is a senior appointment, requiring appropriate relevant experience and qualifications.
- Extensive development planning / management experience, ideally in both the public and private sectors, including the preparation of feasibility studies, pre‑application / planning application reports, submitting applications and building excellent relationships with local planning authority case officers / applicants.
- Project management and/or leadership of a range of applications or development projects including renewable energy and infrastructure projects, at a range of scales including large / complex projects, taking a lead on planning strategy and negotiating with local planning authorities / applicants.
- Excellent communication skills, the ability to build and nurture positive and effective relationships with colleagues, clients, and case officers, and good negotiation skills.
- Excellent report writing skills including the ability to communicate complex planning issues clearly and make concise planning arguments.
- Educated to at least degree level, in a relevant Planning or other degree (graduate and/or post‑graduate).
- Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Experience across our key sectors.
- Renewables experience in wind, solar, energy storage and supporting infrastructure.
- DCO / NSIP experience in England, DNS experience in Wales, s36 experience in Scotland.
- Understanding / experience of Environmental Impact Assessment.
- Expert witness at appeals and inquiries.
- Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
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.
Associate / Associate Director Development Planner employer: LUC
Contact Detail:
LUC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate / Associate Director Development Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their key sectors and recent developments. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion for the role, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Town Planner, you’ll need to articulate complex ideas clearly. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your ability to present your thoughts confidently and concisely.
✨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 your application in and let’s make things happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate / Associate Director Development Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate / Associate Director Development Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience in development planning, especially in renewable energy and infrastructure projects, to show us you’re the right fit!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your report writing skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate how you can communicate complex planning issues effectively.
Highlight Your Experience: We want to see your extensive development planning experience! Be sure to mention any project management roles you've held, especially those involving negotiations with local planning authorities or working on large, complex projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at LUC
✨Know Your Projects
Familiarise yourself with the current projects LUC is involved in, especially those related to renewable energy and infrastructure. Being able to discuss these projects and how your experience aligns with them will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Town Planner, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex planning issues in the past. This could be through report writing or during negotiations with local authorities. Make sure to highlight your ability to build relationships with clients and colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Experience
Since this is a senior role, be ready to discuss your project management and leadership experiences. Share specific instances where you led a team or project, particularly in the public and private sectors. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you navigated challenges.
✨Understand the Company Culture
LUC values flexible working and employee ownership. Research their culture and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to it. Show enthusiasm for being part of a team that prioritises collaboration and inclusivity, and mention any ideas you have for enhancing team dynamics.