Principal Planner

2 weeks ago

Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom Spencer Ogden Full time

Job Title: Associate Planner (promotion to Director)

Location: Edinburgh (remote or hybrid)

About Us

We are a market-leading, independently owned Town Planning consultancy with offices in Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, and London, we provide strategic advice with a commercial focus, securing planning approvals for schemes across renewable energy, infrastructure, retail, leisure, commercial, healthcare, and tourism.

We are looking for an Associate Planning Consultant to join our UK team – a role with a clear progression path towards Director level. This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role and help shape the future of our presence in Scotland and beyond.

About the Role

This role is ideal for a commercially minded planner who has led major and complex projects, particularly in the energy, retail, and leisure sectors, with strong knowledge of Scottish planning systems. The successful candidate will work closely with our current Director, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

We are actively growing our presence in Scotland, and you will be instrumental in driving this expansion, working closely with clients from concept stage through to planning approval.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Managing large-scale and complex projects.
  • Leading and developing a team, mentoring junior planners, and fostering a strong company culture.
  • Driving business development – securing new clients, expanding our project portfolio, and strengthening our Scottish and English market presence.
  • Navigating the Scottish planning systems, ensuring compliance and successful applications.
  • Working with clients from the concept phase through to planning approval, providing strategic advice and direction.
  • Liaising with key stakeholders, including clients, local authorities, and external consultants.
  • Contributing to the strategic growth of the Edinburgh office and our wider UK operations.

About You

We are looking for a commercially driven, business-minded planner with a background in private sector consultancy. You should have:

  • An RTPI-accredited degree/postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
  • A minimum of five years' experience in a senior planning role.
  • A strong track record of managing complex projects, particularly in energy, retail, and leisure.
  • Experience in Scottish planning systems.
  • Experience running major projects and managing teams.
  • The ambition to step into a Director role, with a long-term commitment to the company.
  • A full driving licence and access to a car.

What's in It for You?

  • Competitive salary
  • Long-term career progression, with structured development towards Director level.
  • Opportunity to lead and shape the Edinburgh office, building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
  • A role within a respected, growing consultancy that values ambition and commercial acumen.
  • Hybrid working.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner who is ready to take the next step in their career, committed to the long haul, and eager to play a key role in growing a successful

consultancy.

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