PURPOSE OF ROLE
We are looking for Planning professionals from Planner to Principal Planner level to support our large Planning team based in Bristol.
At Senior level, a successful candidate will support and mentor junior Planners as well as assisting the Partners to service client work. At Principal level, a successful candidate will additionally be responsible for their own projects.
Our planning team has seen significant growth and is now one of the biggest planning teams in Bristol. The team provide a full spectrum of planning services to both private and public sector clients, both
independently and collaboratively with Alder King Property Consultants. We are involved in exciting
projects across the UK, working in a range of sectors including residential, commercial, retail,
healthcare, energy, education and leisure for both national and local clients.
By choosing to develop your career at Alder King, you’ll be part of a dynamic team within a well-established and successful property consultancy, you will be exposed to a diverse range of planning
challenges, and you will be able to build a robust professional network.
We are open to applications for candidates wishing to work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time and hybrid working. Please talk to us at interview stage about the flexibility that would work for you, and we will explore what is possible for the role.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Planner
* Supporting the team in the delivery of a wide range of projects assisting with advice, planning applications and appeals.
* Researching and analysing planning policy.
* Preparing planning appraisals/strategy reports.
* Preparing and submitting applications
* Monitoring and negotiating applications post-submission, and attendance at meetings.
* Preparing planning appeals.
* Preparing representations to emerging planning policy and local plans.
Senior Planner
* Supporting senior team fee earners in the delivery of a wide range of projects.
* Preparing and submitting planning applications, appeals and pre-application enquiries.
* Conducting research and undertaking planning appraisals to establish the development potential of sites.
* Writing high quality reports, interpreting data and making clear recommendations.
* Preparing representations to emerging planning policy and local plans.
* Liaising and negotiating with planning officers and other relevant bodies.
* Communicating effectively with clients and fellow professionals.
* Attending external events to develop business contacts.
Principal Planner
In addition to what is required at Senior Planner level, a Principal Planner would be responsible for:
* Managing and overseeing planning applications and appeals, ensuring delivery is achieved to client requirements.
* Liaising and negotiating with planning officers and other stakeholders.
* Identifying business development opportunities and attending external events to develop business contacts
* Mentoring and guiding more junior planning colleagues.
QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
Planner
* Have an understanding of the planning systems across the UK.
* A highly motivated commercial approach, with ability to work as part of a team and be a self-starter working on your own initiative.
* Have strong research, analytical skills and reporting skills.
* Have resilience to work under pressure; have excellent prioritisation, time management, negotiation and organisation skills and attention to detail.
* Possess excellent communication and inter-personal skills and deliver information clearly and succinctly.
* Be proactive and receptive to change, hold a positive ‘can do’ attitude and always uphold the highest level of professionalism.
Senior Planner
* Have MRTPI status or be working towards RTPI accreditation, with at least two years postgraduation experience within either the private or public sector.
* Possess a passion and sound understanding of planning, development and environmental issues.
* Have a good working knowledge of the planning systems across the UK.
* Be positive and have a can-do attitude. You should be resilient, organised, proactive and hardworking.
* Have demonstrable experience of the planning process, including the preparation and submission applications and appeals.
* Have excellent report writing skills and be able to deliver clear recommendations on a range of planning applications.
* Possess excellent communication skills, being able to articulate challenging concepts in an ‘easy-to-understand’ way.
Principal Planner
In addition to what is required at Senior Planner level, a Principal Planner would be expected to possess the below qualifications/qualities:
* MRTPI status and at least three years post-graduation experience within either the private or public sector.
* Have an excellent working knowledge of the planning systems across the UK.
* Be a strategic thinker and someone who can readily problem solve.
* Have a market awareness and experience of winning or developing work/clients.
For all levels
Fluent with all Microsoft packages and relevant to the role IT packages
Hold a clean driving licence
GENERAL
* Uphold the Firm’s values at all times during both internal and external dealings
* Proactively seek out and attend relevant networking events in order to nurture and grow the Firm’s client contacts with the view to generating growth
* Consistently produce high quality work which, at a minimum, meets client’s expectations. In addition, work collaboratively with third parties as appropriate to ensure you exceed client requirements
* Willingly share relevant and appropriate knowledge with colleagues and support their development as required
PRIMARY LOCATION
We operate a flexible working policy for those who would like some flexibility in their work location. When working from the office, you will work from our Bristol office. However, due to the nature of our business you may be required to work in other offices from time to time.