Senior Town Planner - #2178534

Job Description: Senior Town Planner

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based, depending on business requirements

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Town Planner to join our team in Leeds. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional to take ownership of a varied portfolio of projects, provide expert planning advice and support the delivery of high-quality development across Leeds, West Yorkshire and the wider Yorkshire region.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of the UK planning system, experience managing planning applications and appeals, and the ability to build effective relationships with clients, local authorities and other stakeholders.

You will play a key role in delivering commercially focused planning solutions across a range of sectors, contributing to business growth and supporting the development of junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver a diverse portfolio of planning projects, including residential, commercial, mixed-use and strategic development schemes.
• Prepare, submit and manage planning applications, including full, outline, reserved matters and discharge of conditions applications.
• Undertake planning appraisals, development feasibility assessments and policy reviews to identify opportunities and constraints.
• Provide clear, commercially focused planning advice to clients, developers, landowners and other stakeholders.
• Prepare planning statements, supporting reports, representations and appeal documentation.
• Liaise with local planning authorities, including Leeds City Council and other authorities across the region, to negotiate planning outcomes and resolve complex planning issues.
• Monitor changes to national and local planning policy, including the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant local development plans.
• Manage project programmes, budgets and client expectations to ensure successful delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, working with architects, transport consultants, environmental specialists and other technical professionals.
• Attend client meetings, site visits, public consultations, planning committees and stakeholder meetings as required.
• Support business development activities, including preparing fee proposals, identifying new opportunities and maintaining client relationships.
• Mentor and support junior planners, sharing technical knowledge and promoting best practice.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning, Spatial Planning or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), or demonstrable progress towards chartership where appropriate.
• Significant experience in a town planning role, with the ability to manage projects independently.
• Strong understanding of UK planning legislation, policy and development management processes.
• Proven experience preparing and managing planning applications and providing planning advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, persuasive planning reports.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Confidence in engaging with clients, local authorities and multidisciplinary project teams.
• A proactive, commercially aware approach to problem-solving and project delivery.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a planning consultancy or property development environment.
• Knowledge of the Leeds and wider West Yorkshire planning policy landscape.
• Experience with planning appeals, public inquiries, hearings or complex planning negotiations.
• Experience across residential, commercial, regeneration or strategic land projects.
• Experience supporting business development and managing client accounts.
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to team development.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, confident and client-focused.
• Proactive, adaptable and commercially minded.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative, with the ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Committed to professional development and delivering high-quality planning outcomes.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, reflecting experience and qualifications.
• A varied and interesting portfolio of development projects.
• Opportunities for career progression and increased responsibility.
• Support for continuing professional development and relevant professional memberships.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, where appropriate.
• A comprehensive benefits package, to be confirmed by the employer.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced planning professional looking for your next career move in Leeds, we would welcome your application.

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience, key project achievements and suitability for the role.