Associate / Associate Director Development Planner

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, we are proud to be supporting a highly respected, employee-owned planning and environmental consultancy in the search for an experienced Associate / Associate Director – Development Planner to join their growing team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects across the UK, playing a key role in shaping sustainable, high-quality development.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking a technically confident and commercially aware Town Planner to deliver projects from early-stage planning strategy and feasibility through to securing planning permission and providing post-consent support.

You will:

• Act as a trusted planning advisor to public and private sector clients

• Provide senior-level support to local and national development planning teams

• Lead on planning strategy for a range of projects, including large and complex schemes

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including landscape, heritage, ecology, climate and EIA specialists

• Contribute to the development of new business opportunities and multi-disciplinary projects

The role offers exposure to nationally significant and locally impactful developments across sectors including:

• Renewable energy (wind, solar, energy storage, grid infrastructure)

• Education masterplanning

• Historic parks and gardens

• Sport and recreation facilities

• Housing and mixed-use development

• Agriculture and forestry

Working Arrangements

• Based in Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol or London

• Hybrid model (minimum two days per week in the office)

• Site visits and client meetings across the UK as required

• Full-time: 37.5 hours per week (Monday–Friday)

• Flexible working options available (minimum 30 hours per week considered)

About the Organisation

Our client is an award-winning, employee-owned consultancy with a strong national presence and a collaborative culture. With a team of over 80 planners across multiple UK offices, they have built a reputation for delivering thoughtful, sustainable and commercially sound planning solutions.

Employee ownership provides staff with a genuine voice in the business and an active role in its ongoing success.

Experience & Qualifications

This is a senior-level appointment requiring significant relevant experience.

Essential

• Extensive development planning / development management experience (public and/or private sector)

• Experience preparing feasibility studies, pre-application advice, planning applications and managing submissions

• Strong track record of project managing and/or leading a range of applications, including renewable energy and infrastructure projects

• Experience leading planning strategy and negotiating with local planning authorities

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

• Strong report writing skills with the ability to present clear and concise planning arguments

• Degree (graduate and/or post-graduate) in Planning or related discipline

• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

• Eligibility to live and work in the UK

Desirable

• Experience across renewable energy and infrastructure sectors

• DCO / NSIP experience in England

• DNS experience in Wales

• Section 36 experience in Scotland

• Experience of Environmental Impact Assessment

• Expert witness experience at appeals and inquiries

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our client is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from under-represented groups. They value diverse perspectives and are committed to embedding inclusive practices across all aspects of their business.

Apply Now

To apply, please send your CV to:

📩 vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk

If you would like a confidential discussion about the opportunity before applying, Ocean to Earth Recruitment would be delighted to speak with you.