Senior Planner in London

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. We are looking for an experienced Senior Planner to join our Planning Team. This role offers the right candidate the chance to play a key part in our ongoing growth and success. You will work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment alongside industry leaders, engaging with an exceptional range of clients on prestigious and diverse projects.

What you are going to do

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 and 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.

Our Inclusive Environment

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 [email protected] as soon as possible to discuss your needs.