At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse countryside planning projects and support clients through complex processes.
- Company: Wharfe Rural Planning, a specialist consultancy focused on meaningful rural development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in work, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on quality and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rural communities while developing your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Good judgement, curiosity, and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Wharfe Rural Planning is a specialist consultancy working across the full breadth of countryside planning. We deliver clear, high-quality, well-reasoned planning advice that stands up to challenge, supported by 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
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 judgment, 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 wellbeing.
About You
We’re looking for people who want to work on a varied mix of countryside planning projects and take responsibility for their work from first enquiry through to decision. Your exact level in the business will depend on your experience, but the core of the role includes:
- Leading planning projects end-to-end
- 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.
Who We’re Looking For
Fit and approach matter more than job titles. We are open to people with different lengths of experience. 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. We value MRTPI, RICS, or equivalent experience, but they 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
You can apply here or send us your CV and a short covering note to info@wharferuralplanning.co.uk. If you’d like an informal chat before applying, we’d be happy to arrange it.
Senior Rural Planning Consultant employer: Wharfe Rural Planning
Wharfe Rural Planning is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful work and employee wellbeing, offering a collaborative environment where you can take ownership of diverse countryside planning projects. With a commitment to high standards and practical insight, we provide our team with the autonomy to grow at their own pace while making a genuine impact on rural communities. Join us for a rewarding career that values curiosity, clear communication, and a grounded approach to planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Rural Planning Consultant
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Wharfe Rural Planning who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Rural Planning Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Wharfe Rural Planning!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Wharfe Rural Planning. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wharfe Rural Planning
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Wharfe Rural Planning.
