At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning projects from concept to completion, advising clients and managing applications.
- Company: Join Symonds & Sampson LLP, a historic firm with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; apply early to secure your chance!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while working with diverse teams on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Must be MRTPI Chartered with client-facing experience and strong knowledge of planning regulations.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
Key responsibilities:
- Giving initial feasibility advice, completing Planning Appraisals including formulating planning strategies 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 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 date: 31st 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 date: As soon as possible but negotiable for the right candidate.
Applications: Please send a CV with a covering letter to or post to Symonds & Sampson LLP, Agriculture House, Market Place, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1AR. For further information, please call 01258 472244.
Senior Planner employer: Symonds & Sampson
Symonds & Sampson LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and dynamic work environment in the heart of Sturminster Newton, Dorset. With a strong commitment to employee development, including training and support for professional qualifications, the firm fosters a culture of teamwork across its multi-disciplinary office. Employees enjoy generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and opportunities for social engagement, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work and think about how your skills can contribute. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the Senior Planner role. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression without rambling on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
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. Mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of planning policies and regulations in your application. We love candidates who can show they know their stuff, especially when it comes to NPPF and Local Plans!
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 relevant to the Wessex region. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the landscape of the role.
✨Showcase Your Client-Facing Experience
Since this is a client-facing role, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in similar positions. Prepare examples where you've successfully managed client relationships or navigated complex projects. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fee-earning environment.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
As a Senior Planner, you'll be acting as a project lead. Be prepared to talk about your experience managing external consultants and collaborating with various teams. Think of specific projects where you’ve taken the lead and how you ensured everything ran smoothly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to planning, their interprofessional collaboration, or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
