Job Description – Town Planner
Sheffield
Competitive salary (DOE)
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Town Planner to join our growing planning team in Sheffield. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional looking to develop their career within a dynamic consultancy environment, working on a diverse range of projects and gaining valuable experience across the full planning process.
The successful candidate will work across a broad range of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, renewable energy, and strategic land. You will work closely with senior colleagues, clients, local planning authorities, and multidisciplinary teams to support the delivery of successful planning outcomes across Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and the wider North of England.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the management of a varied portfolio of planning projects from inception through to completion.
- Prepare, coordinate, and submit planning applications and supporting documentation.
- Undertake planning research, policy reviews, site appraisals, and development assessments.
- Assist with the preparation of planning statements, appeal submissions, representations, and other planning documents.
- Liaise with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, stakeholders, and other project team members.
- Attend client meetings, site visits, planning committee meetings, and consultations where appropriate.
- Provide planning advice and support to clients under the guidance of senior team members.
- Monitor planning applications and assist with project management to ensure deadlines are met.
- Keep up to date with changes in planning legislation, policy, and local development plans.
- Work collaboratively with architects, engineers, environmental consultants, and other specialists.
- Contribute to business development activities and the preparation of fee proposals where appropriate.
- Support and contribute to the development of junior team members as experience develops.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Relevant experience within a planning consultancy, local authority, or property development environment.
- Good understanding of the UK planning system, planning policy, and development management.
- Experience assisting with or managing planning applications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good report writing and research abilities.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and work to deadlines.
- Commercial awareness and a client-focused approach.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Working towards MRTPI chartership or an interest in pursuing professional accreditation.
- Experience across multiple development sectors.
- Knowledge of planning in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Yorkshire, or the wider North of England.
- Experience preparing planning statements or other supporting planning documents.
- Experience attending planning committees, appeals, hearings, or public consultations.
- Previous consultancy experience.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and enthusiastic approach to planning.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Confident and professional communicator.
- Ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Strong team player with a willingness to learn.
- Commercially aware and solutions-focused.
- Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek guidance.
- Commitment to continued professional development and career progression.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Annual performance bonus.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- Pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
- Professional membership fees paid.
- Continued professional development and training.
- Support towards MRTPI chartership.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme.