Associate Town Planner/Associate Town Planning Director

Associate Partner / Associate Planner

Chelmsford / Saffron Walden | £50,000–£70,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Associate Planner / Associate Partner to join a growing planning consultancy with an established presence across Essex and the wider South East.

We are looking for an ambitious planning professional with 5–10+ years' experience who is ready to take the next step in their career, or an established Associate looking for greater responsibility, client exposure and a clear route towards partnership.

The role will involve working on a broad range of major planning applications and appeals , with exposure to significant residential and commercial development projects.

The Role

You will take a leading role in managing projects from inception through to determination and, where required, appeal. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and leading major planning applications across residential and commercial sectors.
• Preparing and coordinating planning strategies, submissions and supporting documentation.
• Managing planning appeals , including written representations, hearings and inquiries.
• Providing commercially focused planning advice to landowners, developers and other clients.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Liaising with local planning authorities, consultants, agents and other stakeholders.
• Identifying opportunities and contributing to business development and the growth of the consultancy.
• Taking responsibility for project budgets, programmes and delivery.
• Mentoring and supporting junior planners , helping to develop the wider team.
• Potentially taking on increasing management and leadership responsibilities as the role develops.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical planning knowledge with excellent communication and commercial awareness.

You will ideally have:

• 5–10+ years' relevant planning experience .
• A strong track record in major planning applications and/or appeals .
• Experience across residential and/or commercial development .
• Strong knowledge of the English planning system and relevant planning legislation and policy.
• Excellent report-writing, negotiation and communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Experience dealing directly with clients and planning authorities.
• A proactive, commercially minded approach.
• Ideally, MRTPI or working towards chartership.
• Previous experience mentoring or managing junior colleagues would be advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• £50,000–£70,000 salary , depending on experience.
• Car allowance .
• Performance-related bonus .
• Opportunity to progress towards Associate Partner / Partner level .
• Significant involvement in major and high-profile planning projects.
• Client-facing and business development opportunities.
• Responsibility for mentoring and developing junior members of the team.
• A supportive and entrepreneurial working environment.
• The opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of the business.

The Opportunity

This is more than simply a planning role. We are looking for someone who wants to help shape the future direction of the consultancy , develop client relationships and play a meaningful role in growing the team.

Whether you are an experienced Associate Planner ready for the next step , or an established Associate Partner looking for a new challenge , this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a growing consultancy.

Locations: Chelmsford / Saffron Walden, Essex

Salary: £50,000–£70,000 + car allowance + bonus