planner / Senior Planner

Reporting to the Directors, the post-holder will be responsible for the daily management of junior members of staff and work collaboratively on a wide range of projects as directed. As a Planner/Senior Planner you will establish and maintain a working schedule on all projects, that can be used to identify weekly tasks and key milestones

You will look to build and maintain strategic relationships with clients and stakeholders. You will ensure that all resources for project coordination are carefully managed and where necessary appointed, in line with the project strategy. As part of your duties, you will be responsible for reviewing the planning process, and work closely with the Directors to meet the organisation’s objectives.

Company Information:

• To establish a sound knowledge of DPA as a company, what it does, and how it operates, our ethos, vision, and values.
• To be responsible for the maintenance of paper documentation and electronic files systems to ensure these are kept up-to-date and save all emails, as necessary
• Learn about existing projects, as required.

Background Research:

• To be responsible for all necessary exploration and background information pertaining to new and ongoing projects as may be required.
• Undertake any necessary research and carry out initial planning assessments
• Keep up to date with Local, Regional, and National planning policy changes, and planning laws.

Direct Planning Work:

• Prepare draft: briefing notes; meeting agendas; planning statements; local plan representations; appeal statements; formal Letters; and any other necessary planning documentation.
• To be responsible for submitting planning applications and representations on-line via the Planning Portal or Council websites.
• To be responsible for monitoring of submitted or relevant planning applications and liaise with clients and stakeholders as and when required.

Site Visits, Meetings, Events:

• Conduct site visits and attend meetings with clients (virtual or in person).•Attend meetings with Director, take notes, and circulate minutes.
• Take part in community engagement, as required.
• Assist with Planning Committee meetings, Local Plan Examinations, and Public Inquiries.

Projects:

• Work towards taking the lead on specific projects
• Build relationships with clients, and consultant team,
• To be responsible for direct communication between clients and consultants, external organisations.

General:

• To be responsible for assisting clients through the planning process.
• Communicate with stakeholders and external organisations.
• The ability to manage your own time and meet challenging deadlines.
• Excellent knowledge and application of planning legislation, regulations, and best practice
• Good IT skills, including experience with database and spreadsheet packages.
• Ad hoc duties that may be required by DPA
• Assist the Directors in all other planning related matters, as may be required.

PLANNER / SENIOR PLANNER – SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and Professional membership

• Post-graduate degree in planning from an organisation recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Knowledge, skills, and experience

• Extensive and relevant experience of residential and commercial property development projects, leading on planning & design and working with multi-disciplinary teams i.e., Housing Associations; Developers; Designers; Planning Consultants; and other professionals.
• Extensive experience and understanding of planning, design, property & contract law, technical standards, and construction.
• Commercially astute with a clear appreciation of the commercial implications of planning and managing internal budgets.
• Experience of procuring consultants, contractors, developers and operating in various contracting environments such as Design & Build, Partnerships and Joint Ventures.
• Experience of dealing with complex and contentious proposals and of preparing stakeholder report
• A minimum of 4 years private sector experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communicator, with the ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to communicate effectively to a diverse and challenging audiences.
• Ability to effectively undertake negotiations and influence decisions with successful outcomes.