At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage diverse planning projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Company: Dynamic planning consultancy in London with a relaxed, non-corporate culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonuses, private healthcare, and 25 days leave.
- Other info: Enjoy regular social events and work with high-profile clients across various sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment with genuine career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Minimum 6 years of planning experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: London | Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent | Salary: Competitive + bonus scheme (details available upon request)
The Opportunity
My client is an established and commercially focused planning consultancy based in the heart of London. With a team of over 35 professionals, they are known for their dynamic, down-to-earth culture and wide-ranging project portfolio, covering residential, commercial, heritage, retail, and mixed-use developments across the country. Due to growth, the team is now seeking an Associate Town Planner or Associate Planning Director. This is a key hire within, offering the chance to manage projects independently, mentor junior staff, and work across a diverse mix of clients and sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage planning projects from inception to delivery, ensuring high-quality outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Provide professional planning advice on commercial, residential and heritage schemes across the UK.
- Negotiate with planning authorities and key stakeholders, confidently representing client interests.
- Manage and support a Planning Assistant within the team.
- Prepare, coordinate and submit planning applications, appeals and planning statements.
- Contribute to team development and project collaboration, supporting senior colleagues on larger strategic projects.
- Engage directly with clients, demonstrating initiative, commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum 6 years of planning experience within a consultancy; client-side or local authority experience also considered.
- Strong communication, negotiation and report-writing skills.
- Ability to manage projects independently with minimal supervision.
- Confident engaging directly with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
What’s On Offer
- Salary: roughly £50,000–£75,000 DOE, with annual reviews (and mid-year reviews).
- Bonus: Consistent annual performance bonus (paid at Christmas).
- Benefits: Private healthcare (BUPA), pension scheme, and 25 days annual leave.
- Flexible working: Hybrid setup with a minimum of 3 days in the office; collaborative and sociable workplace culture.
- Career progression: Genuine long-term opportunities to progress to equity level – several current Directors started as Planning Assistants.
- Culture: Relaxed, non-corporate environment; regular social events including Friday lunches, after-work drinks and team outings.
- Projects: Exposure to diverse and high-profile clients including major retailers, housing developers, heritage and renewable energy projects.
The Ideal Candidate
You’ll be adaptable, proactive and commercially minded, capable of running projects independently while contributing to a fun, close-knit team. This role will particularly suit someone looking for a less corporate, more collaborative planning environment, with real scope for progression and an immediate opportunity to make an impact.
Referral Bonus
Up to £500 for successful referrals.
Associate Planner in England employer: PropSource Consulting
PropSource Consulting is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a new regional office in vibrant cities like Manchester, Leeds, or Birmingham. With a strong emphasis on autonomy and collaboration, our non-corporate culture fosters innovation and creativity, while providing pathways to equity and professional growth. Join us to shape strategy and build a high-performing team in a supportive environment that values your expertise and network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Planner in England
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend planning events, join local meetups, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Associate Planner role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your project experiences and how you’ve tackled challenges. This is your time to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to match their vibe. Research their projects and culture, and bring that knowledge into your discussions. It’ll show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for you. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your job search journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Planner in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your planning experience, especially in consultancy, and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how you fit into our dynamic team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about planning and how your background aligns with our values. Don’t forget to mention your ability to engage with clients and manage projects independently – that’s what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language but keep it friendly. We appreciate a down-to-earth approach, so let your personality come through while maintaining professionalism.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PropSource Consulting
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with your past projects and how they relate to the role. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in residential or commercial planning.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiating with planning authorities is key, prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight your approach and the outcomes, demonstrating your ability to represent client interests confidently.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
This consultancy values a collaborative culture, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to team development in the past. Share experiences where you mentored junior staff or collaborated on larger projects to show you’re a team player.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in their projects and culture. Inquire about their approach to client engagement or how they support career progression, which will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.