Principal Town Planner (Policy)

Overview

In this role, you will lead planning policy projects and guide a town planning team to deliver strategic policy studies and local plan evidence. You will build and manage client and stakeholder relationships, representing the organisation at events and coordinating cross-disciplinary teams. You’ll ensure timely, on-budget project delivery while upholding quality and safety standards. This is an opportunity to shape major UK planning initiatives within a global, growth‑m minded practice. You will work closely with senior colleagues to drive business development and policy impact.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid work options
• comprehensive compensation and well-being programs
• global opportunities within a Fortune 500 firm
• career progression and positive culture

Responsibilities

• Lead planning policy projects and assist with local authority policy and strategy development
• Coordinate and deliver local plan evidence studies, strategic growth studies, and infrastructure strategies
• Provide strategic planning advice to clients and internal teams
• Develop and manage relationships with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders
• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
• Oversee deliverables from the planning policy team and uphold quality assurance and health and safety
• Contribute to business development and lead preparation of commercial tenders
• Represent the organisation at conferences and networking events

Key requirements

• Significant experience leading and contributing to planning policy and strategy development in consultancy or public sector
• Strong client focus with collaborative working approach and interpersonal skills
• Existing relationships with clients and local authorities
• Business development mindset with track record of work winning and client relationship development
• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline and RTPI membership or equivalent

• collaboration
• stakeholder engagement
• communication
• planning policy
• local planning authorities
• evidence base studies

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