Strategic Planner

About the role:

We’re looking for a talented and motivated Strategic Planner to join our growing team at [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] Group, based at our head office in Crewe, Cheshire. This is a fantastic opportunity to support the planning and delivery of strategic residential, mixed-use, healthcare, and commercial schemes that help meet the evolving needs of communities across the UK.

In this role, you’ll work closely with the Technical Director to promote a portfolio of long- and short-term land opportunities through the planning system.

You’ll play a key part in preparing and delivering planning strategies, responding to Local Plans, managing consultants, and helping bring forward high-quality developments from early-stage site assessments through to planning consent.

What you’ll be doing:

• Undertaking initial planning appraisals for new land opportunities
• Preparing and supporting planning promotion strategies for sites at various stages of the Local Plan process
• Reviewing and responding to Local Plan consultations, call-for-sites, and housing supply evidence
• Drafting and coordinating the submission of Local Plan representations and planning applications
• Managing relationships with planning consultants and technical specialists
• Supporting budget management and coordinating consultant deliverables
• Assisting with landowner communications and internal site tracking
• Keeping abreast of changes in planning policy and best practice guidance
• Supporting the wider land and planning team to identify new opportunities

What are we looking for?

• RTPI-accredited degree in town planning or a related discipline
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in a planning role (from consultancy, housebuilding, land promotion, or local authority)
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system, including Local Plan processes and the planning application process for large-scale residential and care home developments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail and strong analytical ability
• Strong organisational skills and a collaborative mindset
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites and meetings as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Actively working toward RTPI chartered status (or already chartered)
• Experience preparing Local Plan representations, call-for-sites submissions, and outline or hybrid planning applications
• Experience working on projects within the renewable energy sector and a good understanding of planning considerations related to energy infrastructure (e.g. solar farms, battery storage, wind)
• Strong research and policy analysis capabilities

Why Join Us?

• Gain practical, hands-on experience in a respected property business.
• Work directly with senior professionals in a supportive and fast-moving environment.
• Build your career foundation in land, planning, and development.
• Take on real responsibility and varied tasks that offer professional growth.
• Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities to develop long-term career pathways within the company.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• 37.5-hour week with flexible working hours between 8:00am – 6:00pm
• Early finish on Fridays
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension contributions and incentive package
• Free on-site parking
• Long service awards, including additional holiday entitlement
• Pet-friendly office and a collaborative, welcoming culture