Senior to Associate Planner

Location: Exeter, Devon
Office: Winslade House, Manor Drive, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1FY
Level: Senior Planner, Principal Planner or Associate Planner
Salary: £40,000 to £60,000+ depending on experience

A growing planning team in Devon is looking to appoint an experienced Senior to Associate level Planner to support a diverse and high-quality portfolio of work across Devon and the wider South West.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious, commercially minded planner who is ready to take ownership of projects, advise clients directly and play an active role in the continued growth of a respected planning team.

The team provides clear, realistic and commercially focused planning advice across residential, commercial, leisure, energy and heritage sectors, working with a broad client base ranging from national developers through to private individuals.

The Role

You will work on a varied portfolio of planning projects from initial advice and site appraisal through to applications, appeals, negotiation and determination.

Depending on your level, you will either manage projects independently as a Senior or Principal Planner, or take on a broader leadership role as an Associate Planner, with greater involvement in client management, mentoring and business development.

This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to grow their profile in a region with varied, interesting and rewarding planning challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing planning projects from start to finish
• Preparing planning appraisals, applications, statements and appeals
• Providing clear, commercially aware planning advice to clients
• Liaising with local planning authorities, consultants and project teams
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing to business development and wider office growth
• Supporting or mentoring junior colleagues where appropriate
• Helping strengthen the office’s profile across Devon and the wider South West

Additional Responsibilities at Associate Level

For candidates operating at Associate level, the role will also include a stronger focus on leadership, client development and commercial contribution.

You will be expected to:

• Lead larger or more complex planning instructions
• Act as a trusted point of contact for key clients
• Support the development of new and existing client relationships
• Identify opportunities for repeat work and new instructions
• Contribute to fee proposals, project strategy and commercial planning
• Mentor and support less experienced members of the team
• Represent the office externally and help grow its presence across Devon and the wider South West
• Play an active role in shaping the continued growth of the Devon planning team

About You

You will be an experienced planner with a strong understanding of the UK planning system and the confidence to work across a broad range of planning matters.

You should bring:

• Chartered Planner / RTPI Member status, or be close to achieving chartership
• Strong and broad planning experience
• Good understanding of planning applications, appraisals and appeals
• Commercial awareness of development projects and planning consultancy work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence dealing directly with clients and local planning authorities
• A proactive, organised and commercially minded approach
• Full UK driving licence, although exceptions may be considered

For Associate level candidates, previous experience in client management, mentoring, fee proposals, business development or team leadership would be particularly valuable.

Why Apply?

This is a chance to join a collaborative, knowledgeable and well-regarded planning team offering genuine variety, client exposure and long-term career progression.

The package includes:

• Salary of £40,000 to £60,000+ depending on experience
• Competitive benefits package
• Discretionary relocation package
• Supportive and flexible working environment
• High-quality and diverse project portfolio
• Genuine career progression
• Opportunity to play a key role in the growth of the Devon office

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