Principal Town Planner

Overview

In this role you will lead a portfolio of planning projects from a leading independent consultancy serving data centres, retail, and commercial sectors across the UK and Ireland. You will provide commercially aware planning guidance to clients and oversee planning applications, statements, and appeals. You will shape planning policy advice, manage client relationships, and mentor junior team members. This position offers hybrid working, professional development, and a clear opportunity to contribute to growth in a busy Edinburgh office.

Pay / Benefits

• Highly competitive salary
• Contributory pension scheme
• Hybrid working
• Professional development
• Generous holiday allowance

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of planning projects and applications
• Provide commercially focused planning advice to clients
• Prepare and oversee planning applications, planning statements, appeals and related submissions
• Undertake planning appraisals and advise on development opportunities and constraints
• Provide strategic advice on planning policy and development proposals
• Manage relationships with clients, planning authorities, consultants and other stakeholders
• Represent clients at meetings, consultations and planning committees
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and external consultants
• Mentor and support junior members of the planning team
• Manage project programmes, budgets and deadlines

Key requirements

• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Chartered membership of the RTPI
• Significant professional planning experience, ideally gained within a consultancy environment
• Strong knowledge of the relevant planning system and development management processes
• Proven experience managing planning applications and projects from inception through to determination
• Experience advising clients on complex planning matters
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to understand clients’ objectives
• Confidence to build relationships with senior stakeholders and planning authorities
• Strong organisational and project-management skills
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Ambition to contribute to business development and growth of the wider team

• Excellent communication
• Commercial awareness
• Relationship building
• Knowledge of planning policy and development management processes
• Experience with planning applications and appeals
• Stakeholder engagement

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