At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning policy projects and provide expert advice to clients and stakeholders.
- Company: Join Waterman Aspen, a people-focused professional services provider in the planning sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, generous leave, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible working model with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and significant experience in Planning Policy required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 € per year.
A unique company, Waterman Aspen is a specialist professional services provider, supporting the delivery of development management, infrastructure and place‐shaping projects across the UK. We work in partnership with both public and private sector clients, providing experienced planners and technical specialists to strengthen capacity, improve outcomes and support confident decision‐making.
Our model is intentionally flexible. Through secondments and project‐based support, we place the right people with the right skills into client teams at the right time. Our clients include local authorities, government bodies, consultancies and developers, and we work as trusted, embedded members of their teams.
We are a people‐centred organisation and take pride in supporting our colleagues throughout their careers. Mutual respect, professionalism and trust sit at the heart of how we work. This is reflected in our commitment to wellbeing, family‐friendly policies, inclusion and social value, alongside our focus on sustainability and net‐zero ambitions.
Joining Waterman Aspen as a Senior / Principal Planner means becoming part of a supportive, experienced Town Planning team while working on a diverse range of public and private sector projects across the UK. You'll enjoy the stability and benefits of permanent employment, combined with the variety, challenge and professional breadth that comes from working across different organisations and project environments.
You can expect a role that offers exposure to a wide client base, allowing you to apply your expertise, develop new skills and build a strong professional profile. Our clients actively value the contribution of Waterman Aspen colleagues, creating opportunities for meaningful technical involvement and professional growth.
The secondment‐led model also offers flexibility—giving you the chance to broaden your experience with each new assignment, step into different planning contexts quickly, and add value from day one. We support career development at every stage, with access to training, mentoring and guidance from experienced managers and peers.
Experience required:
- Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline, with Chartered Membership of the RTPI (or working towards chartership at Senior level where appropriate).
- Significant post‐qualification experience in a Planning Policy role within a local authority, consultancy or client‐facing planning environment, operating at Senior or Principal level.
- Strong, up‐to‐date knowledge and practical application of planning legislation, national planning policy and statutory procedures.
- Proven experience in the preparation, review and delivery of Development Plan documents, including Local Plans and associated policy documents.
- Experience preparing evidence for, and participating in, Local Plan Examinations.
- Highly organised with strong programme and workload management skills.
- Confident and effective communicator, able to present clear, well‐reasoned planning policy advice.
Desirable:
- Experience commissioning, managing and directing consultants in the preparation of planning policy evidence and technical studies.
- Experience working closely with Development Management teams.
- Experience of cross‐boundary planning work.
As a Senior / Principal Planner (Planning Policy), you will:
- Play a leading role in the preparation, examination, adoption, monitoring and review of Development Plan documents.
- Lead on the preparation and management of planning policy evidence studies.
- Provide clear, timely and well‐reasoned planning policy advice to client teams.
- Prepare consultation material and lead on stakeholder and community engagement.
- Prepare written statements and give professional evidence at Local Plan Examinations.
- Prepare and present high‐quality reports, briefings and recommendations.
- Operate confidently as an embedded member of client teams.
- At Principal level, provide leadership within planning policy teams.
You'll get this and so much more:
- A salary in line with your experience, skills and location.
- Company car or car allowance.
- Contribution to commuting mileage.
- Permanent health insurance.
- 25 days annual leave (option to buy up to 5 more).
- Company pension contribution.
- 1 paid Waterman Aspen in the Community Day to volunteer in your local community.
Senior / Principal Planner (Planning Policy) in England employer: Waterman Aspen
Waterman Aspen is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its employees, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a focus on flexible working arrangements and diverse project opportunities across the UK, employees can expect to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact in the planning sector. The company also provides an industry-leading benefits package, including health insurance, generous leave options, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring a rewarding and balanced career experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Planner (Planning Policy) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior/Principal Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Waterman Aspen and understanding our unique approach to planning policy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our values and how you can contribute to our projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, especially those related to Development Plan documents and Local Plans. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to deliver results under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Waterman Aspen.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Planner (Planning Policy) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior / Principal Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning policy and any specific projects that align with what we do at Waterman Aspen.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills have made a difference in previous roles. Use examples that reflect your ability to manage multiple workstreams and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterman Aspen
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning legislation and national policies. Being able to discuss recent changes and how they impact local authorities will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully managed planning policy projects or led teams. Highlight your experience with Development Plan documents and Local Plan Examinations, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've engaged with communities, elected members, and other parties in previous roles, as this is key to the collaborative nature of the job.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to planning policy and their current projects. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
