At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Planning Team to manage diverse projects and support senior colleagues.
- Company: Quod, an independent consultancy focused on planning and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth and employee well-being support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant subject and strong report writing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Quod is a highly regarded, independent consultancy offering a range of planning and development related services. We strive for technical excellence in everything we do and promote a flexible and collaborative environment. We pride ourselves on getting the best outcomes for our clients and have a pragmatic, proportionate approach. As an employee-owned business, we place our future in the hands of our people. We provide an inspiring workplace, both in the office and beyond, and offer a comprehensive programme of events designed to help you achieve your professional aspirations.
This role involves working closely with experienced professionals within one of our teams, supporting senior colleagues in the management and delivery of diverse projects. You will collaborate with senior team members and take on clearly defined responsibilities in project delivery. You will be expected to problem solve projects, whilst working independently with less oversight from senior colleagues. You will take ownership of drafting reports and preparing well considered and accurate advice. The position also places strong emphasis on continuous learning, professional development and knowledge sharing. This includes maintaining up-to-date CPD, expanding technical skills, and contributing to internal collaboration while mentoring junior colleagues. Ultimately, the role supports both project delivery and the wider team by building strong client relationships, representing the company at meetings and events, and acting as an ambassador for the company’s values and standards.
Key Role Responsibilities
- Review, interpret and analyse relevant legislation, development plan policy and other material considerations e.g., Planning history, National Policy, to assist the preparation of planning strategies by senior colleagues.
- Support senior colleagues to manage strategic land promotion activities, planning applications and appeals and deliver planning advice to clients across all planning disciplines.
- Independently prepare, manage and submit less complex planning applications, whilst preparing more complex planning applications with less oversight from senior colleagues.
- Engage with planning officers, and negotiate determinations of basic planning applications, and more complex applications with assistance.
- Review deliverables, identifying omissions and inconsistencies.
- Advise clients of the impact of policies on relevant schemes.
What we ask
- Degree or higher in relevant subject, MRTPI/APC. RTPI/RICS/IEMA Accreditation.
- Comprehensive knowledge of project costs, fee proposals, project finance, invoices and billing.
- Excellent report writing, adaptable style, and strong presentation skills.
- Strong negotiation, good judgement, integrity, attention to detail, and confident client interaction.
- Able to manage competing workloads across multiple projects.
- Work independently and collaboratively, and solve problems proactively.
- Desirable: Wide range of experience across various types of projects.
What we offer
We don’t just offer a competitive salary and discretionary bonus scheme, but we go further. Our commitment is to create an environment where you feel supported, valued, and empowered. That is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your lifestyle and wellbeing. Here is what you can look forward to:
- Private medical insurance (covering pre-existing conditions)
- Health Cash Plan
- Access to a private GP
- Professional membership fees
- Interest-free season ticket travel loans
- Nursery scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Pension Plan
- 28 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Income Protection Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Comprehensive Training and Development Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and are building an inclusive culture to make Quod an excellent place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions. We offer flexible working benefits and excellent employee well-being support. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent employee networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive. We actively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals who share our commitment to inclusion. We will fully support candidates with a disability or long-term condition who require adjustments in our recruitment process.
How to apply
If you would be interested in joining our team, please complete the application form and provide a CV and covering letter. All applications will be treated in confidence.
Reasonable Adjustment
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the People Team at people.team@quod.com as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
Senior Planner employer: Quod Limited
Quod is an exceptional employer that fosters a flexible and collaborative work culture, making it an inspiring place for professionals to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training opportunities and a range of benefits including competitive salaries, generous leave, and health support, all designed to ensure our team members feel valued and empowered. Located in a vibrant area, our employee-owned business promotes inclusivity and well-being, making it an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in socio-economics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨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 Quod Limited 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 Senior Planner
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 Quod Limited!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Quod Limited. 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 Quod Limited
✨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 Quod Limited.
