Vivid Resourcing
Associate Town Planner/Associate Town Planning Director
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Associate Partner / Associate Planner
Chelmsford / Saffron Walden
£50,000–£70,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Associate Planner / Associate Partner to join a growing planning consultancy with an established presence across Essex and the wider South East.
We are looking for an ambitious planning professional with 5–10+ years' experience who is ready to take the next step in their career, or an established Associate looking for greater responsibility, client exposure, and a clear route towards partnership.
The role will involve working on a broad range of major planning applications and appeals, with exposure to significant residential and commercial development projects.
The Role
You will take a leading role in managing projects from inception through to determination and, where required, appeal. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing and leading major planning applications across residential and commercial sectors.
- Preparing and coordinating planning strategies, submissions, and supporting documentation.
- Managing planning appeals, including written representations, hearings, and inquiries.
- Providing commercially focused planning advice to landowners, developers, and other clients.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
- Liaising with local planning authorities, consultants, agents, and other stakeholders.
- Identifying opportunities and contributing to business development and the growth of the consultancy.
- Taking responsibility for project budgets, programmes, and delivery.
- Mentoring and supporting junior planners, helping to develop the wider team.
- Potentially taking on increasing management and leadership responsibilities as the role develops.
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About You
We are looking for someone who combines strong technical planning knowledge with excellent communication and commercial awareness.
You will ideally have:
- 5–10+ years' relevant planning experience.
- A strong track record in major planning applications and/or appeals.
- Experience across residential and/or commercial development.
- Strong knowledge of the English planning system and relevant planning legislation and policy.
- Excellent report-writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
- The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
- Experience dealing directly with clients and planning authorities.
- A proactive, commercially minded approach.
- Ideally, MRTPI or working towards chartership.
- Previous experience mentoring or managing junior colleagues would be advantageous.
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What’s on Offer
- £50,000–£70,000 salary, depending on experience.
- Car allowance.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Opportunity to progress towards Associate Partner / Partner level.
- Significant involvement in major and high-profile planning projects.
- Client-facing and business development opportunities.
- Responsibility for mentoring and developing junior members of the team.
- A supportive and entrepreneurial working environment.
- The opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of the business.
The Opportunity
This is more than simply a planning role. We are looking for someone who wants to help shape the future direction of the consultancy, develop client relationships, and play a meaningful role in growing the team.
Whether you are an experienced Associate Planner ready for the next step, or an established Associate Partner looking for a new challenge, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a growing consultancy.
Locations: Chelmsford / Saffron Walden, Essex
Salary: £50,000–£70,000 + car allowance + bonus
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