Principal/Associate Director – Town Planner

Our client is seeking an experienced Principal or Associate Director Town Planner to join their Planning and Environment Team in Birmingham. This role offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of high-profile projects, including major infrastructure, energy, waste, minerals, and strategic housing developments. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing medium to large-scale planning projects, providing expert advice and strategic planning solutions for diverse clients across multiple sectors.

Key Responsibilities
As the Principal/Associate Director Town Planner, you will:

• Shape and assess development project cases, developing and determining effective planning strategies.
• Manage pre-application consultations, prepare planning applications, and handle appeals.
• Conduct site appraisals and oversee community consultation processes.
• Lead planning project management and coordinate multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Prepare proposals and engage in business development activities.
• Liaise with landowners, developers, architects, and other stakeholders to drive project success.
• Provide expert planning and land use advice to clients, including developers, housebuilders, land promoters, and infrastructure companies, as well as local planning authorities.
• Offer team supervision and guidance, supporting junior colleagues and ensuring project delivery to the highest standards.

Qualifications and Skills
The successful candidate will:

• Be a Chartered Town Planner with a relevant Town Planning degree or related qualifications.
• Have experience preparing planning applications for both public and private sector clients.
• Possess excellent analytical and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork, with a proactive and collaborative working approach.
• Be IT literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and ideally, some GIS experience.
• Have strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects within tight deadlines.
• Hold a full UK driving licence, as projects span across the UK.

Personal Attributes
Candidates must demonstrate a high level of technical competence, with a proven ability to deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision. Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to manage workload independently, and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for this role. While the role is primarily aimed at Principal level, those with significant experience, market credibility, and a demonstrated ability to develop new business may be considered for an Associate Director position.

Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, the successful candidate will enjoy:

• Employer pension contributions up to 5%.
• Professional membership subscription payments.
• 24 days of annual leave.
• Private healthcare scheme and critical illness cover.
• Life assurance policy covering three times annual salary.
• A mobile phone with personal usage allowance.
• Flexible working schedule.
• Long-service awards and participation in a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Travel loan options 

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on large-scale development projects while advancing your career in town planning.