Principal/Associate Consultant - Town Planning

Atkins is one of the world’s leading engineering, environmental and design consultancies offering unparalleled opportunities for talented individuals in search of a rewarding career. Our Planning, Economics and Heritage team based in London, Epsom, Bristol, Birmingham and Warrington works directly with Atkins’ wide range of businesses, across the UK on a variety of major development projects and related works. To find out about our recent varied and interesting Planning projects see our Planning and consenting for National Significant Infrastructure Projects brochures.

We require an experienced Planner to be located in our London office. The person appointed will join a progressive planning and environmental team with a wide range of client interests within the public and private sectors. The position will seek to provide additional capacity to deliver our expanding workload and will play a key role in the development of our growing national business, linking in with other parts of the environmental and infrastructure business throughout Atkins. While the post would be based in our London office, there may be a requirement to work out of other UK offices or client offices, where the need arises, in order to meet the demands of clients and fluctuating workloads. There may also be opportunities to work on a number of our overseas planning projects.

The position requires a Chartered Planner, combining an excellent track record in planning with particular experience in providing advice to our growing markets in the development, transportation, energy and water sectors.

Responsibilities
• Identification, development and pursuit of new business and marketing opportunities in a range of sectors
• Preparation of tender responses
• Preparation of planning applications (TCPA/DCO/TWAO) and supporting documents for development and infrastructure schemes
• Provision of planning and consenting advice to external and internal clients
• Co-ordination of and / or input into EIAs
• Management, including financial management, of projects and potentially line management of more junior staff
• Resource allocation in liaison with the regional manager
• Competently undertake own work to an excellent standard; on time and to budget
• Represent the company well and continue to build personal and company reputation
• Develop and maintain relationships across the organisation to ensure we position ourselves well within the market and assemble technically excellent project teams
• Maintain continual professional development in accordance with requirements of chosen professional institute
• Support and develop more junior staff, as appropriate.


Requirements

Essential
• A relevant Town Planning degree or Masters
• Chartered membership of the RTPI
• Relevant post-qualification experience in a planning role, ideally gained through infrastructure planning, dealing with major applications or appeals under the Planning Acts, Transport and Works Act Orders, hybrid Bill, IPC or DCO in the public and/or private sector
• A sound, in-depth knowledge of planning law and procedures, including the changing planning (and environmental impact assessment) system at national and local level
• Proven experience in the management and delivery of multi-disciplinary projects; capability to work alongside and co-ordinate a range of technical specialists
• Proven experience of building successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to work within a team and motivate others to deliver to high standards, on time and to budget - but also able to work with limited supervision
• A need to demonstrate commercial awareness and proven ability to manage budgets
• Able to check and review complex documents and summarise and present the key issues in a clear and concise way, understandable to non-specialists
• Experienced in meeting clients and managing their needs in a confident, professional manner
• Strong report writing, verbal and presentation skills, and the aptitude to rationally explain, explore and discuss town planning issues
• Excellent time management skills - able to prioritise and work effectively under pressure, with proven success in meeting tight deadlines
• Flexible, adaptable and prepared to take on new challenges and work from other Atkins or client office locations
• Proven knowledge of project or programme management processes and/or successfully managing a varied caseload of applications or projects
• Personal qualities required include being self-motivated, enthusiastic, determined and resilient

Desirable
• Consultancy experience and business development skills
• Full UK/EEC driving licence

Training
Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help you make the best of your abilities and talents. These are reviewed with individuals through an annual appraisal process. We actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.

Rewards and Benefits
Please refer to our website for details of our full benefits package.

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary it will be discussed with you at interview.

If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV,  details of any current or previously held security clearance.