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- Tasks: Lead planning projects from concept to completion, advising clients and managing applications.
- Company: Join Symonds & Sampson, a historic firm with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and a work-based pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while working on diverse projects across the Wessex region.
- Qualifications: Must be MRTPI Chartered with client-facing experience and strong knowledge of planning policies.
- Other info: Dynamic office environment with opportunities for professional growth and occasional remote work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Symonds & Sampson LLP are searching for a Senior Planner to join the Professional Services Department in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. This is a client facing, fee earning role, which involves working closely with all departments of the Firm from the early concept stage of a project through to discharge of planning conditions on Residential, Agricultural and Commercial projects across the Wessex region.
Symonds & Sampson started in Dorchester, Dorset, in 1858, becoming an LLP in 2007 and now operates from 16 regional offices in 4 counties, employing more than 150 professional and support staff. Services include estate agency, lettings, management, auctioneering and property advice across the residential, rural and commercial sectors.
Key responsibilities
Giving initial feasibility advice, completing Planning Appraisals including formulating planning strategy\’s for clients, and dealing with Pre-Application Enquiries
Drafting Planning Statements, Design & Access Statements and other supporting documentation
Dealing with the preparation, submission and management of the full breadth of application types relating to Residential, Commercial and Agricultural property, including applications for Listed Building Consent
Acting as Project Lead including liaison and management of external consultants and working closely with our in house design, rural, commercial and valuations teams
Advising on and dealing with planning conditions, Section 106 agreements, Community Infrastructure Levy and other planning obligations
Advising on the promotion of development sites for adoption
Dealing with the preparation, submission and management of planning appeals
Preferred skills
Must have previous client facing experience in a similar role in either the Public or Private sector and must be used to working as part of an interprofessional team, or independently
Must have an excellent working knowledge of policy/regulation, NPPF and Local & Neighbourhood Plans affecting our primary areas of operation
Must be a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
Ideally, Chartered with 3 years PQE
Ability to work individually and collaboratively
Rewards
Training and subscriptions of required qualifications
28 days holiday including bank holidays plus company days
Enhanced maternity pay
Work-based pension scheme
Firm-wide sporting and social events
Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
The officeThe Sturminster Newton Office is a multi-disciplinary office, home to residential sales, auctions, agricultural, and professional departments.
Given the interprofessional nature of the work, the position will be predominantly office based in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, with the opportunity to work from home from time to time.
Closing date31st January. The closing date may be brought forward should we receive a high volume of applications. To avoid disappointment, we suggest submitting your application promptly.
Starting dateAs soon as possible but negotiable for the right candidate
ApplicationsPlease send a CV with a covering letter to edyke@symondsandsampson.co.uk or post to Symonds & Sampson LLP, Agriculture House, Market Place, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1AR. For further information, please call 01258 472244.
Seniority levelMid-Senior level
Employment typeFull-time
Job functionOther
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Senior Planner employer: Symonds & Sampson
Contact Detail:
Symonds & Sampson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Symonds & Sampson and understand their projects and values. We want to see your passion for planning and how you can contribute to their team. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your client-facing experience and any successful projects you've led. We love to hear about real-life examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in planning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who fit our culture. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you in for an interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Planner role. Highlight your client-facing experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at Symonds & Sampson. Share specific examples of your planning experience and how you can contribute to our projects.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of planning policies and regulations in your application. Mention your familiarity with NPPF and Local Plans, as this will show us that you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Symonds & Sampson
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning policies, regulations, and the NPPF. Familiarise yourself with local and neighbourhood plans that affect the Wessex region. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the landscape of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous client-facing roles in detail. Think about specific projects where you acted as a project lead or collaborated with interprofessional teams. Use examples that highlight your ability to manage planning applications and liaise with external consultants.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific planning scenarios, such as dealing with planning conditions or preparing a Planning Statement. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these situations to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the firm’s approach to planning or their recent projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
