At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse planning projects from strategy to decision, ensuring quality and client engagement.
- Company: Established planning consultancy focused on countryside and rural development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and clear progression pathways.
- Other info: Supportive environment encouraging professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on rural communities and businesses through meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Strong judgement, communication skills, and adaptability; experience in planning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
An established specialist planning consultancy is seeking a Senior or Principal Planner to join its growing team. The practice focuses on countryside and rural development work, delivering thoughtful, commercially grounded planning advice across a diverse portfolio of projects. This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful schemes that range from individually significant rural applications to larger strategic development projects. The consultancy is known for its clear judgement, practical insight and ability to guide clients through complex planning processes with confidence.
The Work: Projects typically include:
- Farm diversification, estate planning and rural enterprise schemes
- Appeals, certificates of lawfulness and enforcement matters
- Residential developments of up to circa 100 units
- Commercial greenfield development sites up to approximately 25 acres
- Strategic land promotion
- Complex rural planning challenges requiring clear, reasoned strategy
The team places strong emphasis on quality of advice rather than volume of work, prioritising well-considered planning solutions that support long-term outcomes.
The Role: You will manage projects from first instruction through to decision, taking responsibility for strategy development, application preparation and client engagement. Responsibilities include:
- Leading planning applications and appeals
- Developing robust planning strategies
- Preparing high-quality supporting documentation
- Negotiating with local authorities and coordinating external consultants
- Advising clients on matters that are often commercially and personally significant
- Contributing to a collaborative internal team structure
The role offers autonomy and responsibility within a supportive framework that encourages professional growth.
About You: The consultancy is open to candidates at different career stages; experience level will determine seniority within the business. You must currently live in the UK and have UK work experience. Key attributes include:
- Strong professional judgement
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to explain complex planning issues in accessible terms
- Confidence in taking ownership of projects
- A grounded, practical and solutions-focused mindset
- Adaptability and resilience
MRTPI, RICS or equivalent professional accreditation is welcomed but not essential where experience demonstrates capability and maturity. Previous rural planning experience is advantageous, though strong planners from other sectors who are keen to transition into countryside work will be considered.
What’s on Offer:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Hybrid working
- Varied and interesting project portfolio
- High level of autonomy balanced with structured support
- Clear progression pathway
- Opportunity to work on projects that have tangible impact on landowners, rural businesses and communities
This is an excellent opportunity for a planner who values thoughtful work, strong professional standards and being part of a collaborative, grounded team.
How to Apply? Please submit your CV today, Thatcher Associates looks forward to receiving your application.
Senior Planner in Ellesmere Port employer: Thatcher Associates
Join a leading planning consultancy in North West England that prioritises quality over quantity, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on meaningful rural development projects, employees enjoy hybrid working arrangements, a diverse project portfolio, and clear pathways for professional growth, making it an ideal environment for planners seeking to make a tangible impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner in Ellesmere Port
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning sector, attend industry events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the consultancy's recent projects and their approach to rural planning. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for meaningful schemes and how your experience aligns with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain complex planning issues in simple terms. This will showcase your communication skills and ability to engage clients effectively, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner in Ellesmere Port
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Planner role. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those related to rural planning or complex applications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about countryside development and how your experience makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key in this role, ensure your application materials are well-written and free of jargon. We want to see how you can explain complex planning issues in a straightforward way.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thatcher Associates
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the types of projects the consultancy works on. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on countryside and rural development. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in their work and can contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since clear communication is key in this role, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to explain complex planning issues in simple terms. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them. Highlight your grounded, practical solutions and adaptability, as these traits are highly valued in the consultancy’s approach to planning.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the consultancy's projects and team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values, especially regarding collaboration and professional growth.
