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- Tasks: Lead strategic countryside planning projects from start to finish, making a real impact.
- Company: Wharfe Rural Planning, a specialist consultancy focused on meaningful rural projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in rural communities while enjoying autonomy and support.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing planning applications and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on quality and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 67000 £ per year.
About Us
Wharfe Rural Planning is a specialist consultancy working across the full breadth of countryside planning, from strategic land promotion and commercial greenfield development to housing schemes and complex rural projects. We deliver clear, high-quality, well-reasoned planning advice that stands up to challenge, supported by a practical, real-world understanding of how things work on the ground.
Our work ranges from small but important rural projects that matter deeply to individual clients, through to larger schemes, including:
- Diversification projects, farm business developments and estate planning
- Appeals, certificates and enforcement
- Complex rural problem-solving
- Housing developments up to 100 homes
- Commercial development of greenfield sites up to 25 acres
- Strategic land promotion
We are not driven by the ego of numbers or scale. What matters to us is meaningful work that improves people’s lives, supports rural businesses and communities, and reflects the values we hold as a team. Clients come to us because we offer something different in this sector: high standards, clear judgement and practical insight, enabling us to counsel clients through the process. We help people navigate situations that are often complex and sometimes emotional, and we take pride in doing the job properly. We have a collaborative delivery structure that supports both quality and well-being.
Why join Wharfe Rural Planning?
- Lead meaningful strategic, commercial and countryside projects from first enquiry through to decision
- High autonomy, supported by a collaborative delivery structure
- Work that genuinely impacts rural businesses, families and communities
About the Role
We’re looking for a Senior/Principal Planner who wants to work on a varied mix of countryside planning projects and take responsibility for their work from end to end. Your exact level in the business will depend on your experience, but the core of the role includes:
- Leading planning projects from first enquiry through to decision
- Developing clear strategies and explaining the reasoning behind them
- Working directly with clients on matters that are personal and important to them
- Preparing applications and supporting documents to a high standard
- Managing discussions with planning officers and external consultants
- Supporting colleagues and drawing on support in return through our Job Manager / Job Advisor model
- Helping clients make confident decisions about their land or business
The work is varied and can move quickly at times, so you will need to be adaptable, comfortable with changing priorities and able to stay composed under pressure. You’ll always have support around you, but you will also need the confidence to take ownership of your part of the job. We operate a flexible hybrid model, with home working alongside time in Cheshire for site visits, team collaboration and client meetings.
About You
Fit and approach matter more than job titles. You’ll likely already have experience managing planning applications and client relationships independently, and be comfortable owning projects end-to-end. What matters most is:
- Good judgement
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Emotional intelligence
- The ability to explain complex planning issues
- Confidence in taking responsibility for your work
- A grounded, practical approach to planning
- Respect for clients, colleagues, and the countryside
You do not need a purely rural background. Many excellent planners have transitioned into rural work successfully – and we’re happy to support that transition. We value MRTPI, RICS, or equivalent experience, but these are not required if your background demonstrates capability, clear thinking and professional maturity. This role will suit someone who enjoys planning as a problem-solving discipline, cares about getting things right, and appreciates working in a team that values openness, fortitude, and clear thinking.
What We Offer
- A competitive package – commensurate with experience
- A varied and interesting workload
- A high degree of autonomy, balanced with support
- A structure that allows you to grow at a pace that suits your experience
- Work that genuinely makes a difference to people and places
How to Apply
Please click on the 'apply button'. If you’d like an informal, confidential chat before applying, we’d be happy to arrange this.
Senior / Principal Planner – Strategic Rural & Commercial Projects in London employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Planner – Strategic Rural & Commercial Projects in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local planning events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 Wharfe Rural Planning and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and the specific role. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it relates to the role of Senior/Principal Planner. Keep it concise but impactful – think of it as your personal brand statement that highlights your strengths.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Planner – Strategic Rural & Commercial Projects in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for countryside planning shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the projects and clients you'll be working with, so share any relevant experiences or insights that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role and our values at Wharfe Rural Planning. Highlight your experience with strategic rural and commercial projects, and explain how your skills align with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clear communication, so keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use simple language to explain your experience and qualifications, and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Remember, we want to understand your journey without getting lost in complex terms.
Don’t Forget the Details: Pay attention to the finer details in your application. Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors, as these can distract from your message. A polished application reflects your professionalism and shows us that you take pride in your work. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Wharfe Rural Planning's recent projects and case studies. Familiarise yourself with their approach to strategic rural and commercial planning, as well as the types of challenges they tackle. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their work.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex planning issues. Highlight your ability to develop clear strategies and communicate them effectively. This is crucial for a role that involves leading projects from start to finish, so make sure to illustrate your thought process and decision-making skills.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Given the personal nature of the projects at Wharfe Rural Planning, it's essential to convey your emotional intelligence during the interview. Share experiences where you've worked closely with clients, showing empathy and understanding. This will reassure them that you can handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your curiosity about the company and its projects. Inquire about their collaborative delivery structure or how they support team members in managing changing priorities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
