Planning Manager

To advise the Head of Estates and wider Estates Team on all planning related matters relating to a UK wide portfolio of sites. To help deliver defined strategies by developing and improving the Estate’s portfolio through securing planning consents.

Key Tasks/Accountabilities:

• A strong working knowledge of the Town and Country Planning system.
• To provide strategic planning advice to internal customers relating to development and redevelopment opportunities, change of use opportunities and alternative use opportunities.
• To prepare pre-application consultation briefs to LPAs.
• Attendance at pre-application consultation meetings with planning officers and internal colleagues.
• Attendance at site and review meetings & occasional attendance at Planning Committee meetings.
• Preparation and submission of planning appraisals, statements and applications for site related developments, changes of use and Certificates of Lawfulness.
• Selection, instruction, and management of external professional advisers including planning, heritage, ecology, highways, flood risk and other specialist consultants as required.
• Preparation of objections to proposals on neighbouring properties.
• The day-to-day management of planning projects including liaising with other in-house / external disciplines and LPAs to ensure swift, positive outcomes.

The successful Planning Manager will enjoy an inclusive, professional environment and a remuneration package that will include:

• Basic salary up to £58k to start.
• Car allowance of over £8k p/a.
• A range of additional benefits.
• Flexible working available to include a combination of working from the office, from home and onsite visits.

You will need to have:

• An accredited degree in Town Planning or similar discipline.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) with a minimum of four years’ PQE, ideally in a planning advisory role (whether in-house, LPA or consultancy).
• Proven experience of preparing and successfully securing planning consents for significant development schemes.
• Strong negotiation skills alongside the ability to build and foster strong, sustainable internal and external relationships, demonstrating a positive and approachable disposition with the ability to build rapport.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness.
• The ability to instruct and manage external professionals.
• Car driver able to work across the UK with the ability to stay away as required.

You must be based in the Southeast of England – Ideally Surrey, West Sussex, or SW London.