Candidates
Employers
Candidates
About Us
About Spencer Ogden
Meet the Team
Our Charity Partners
Disciplines
Natural Resources
Infrastructure
Sustainability
Candidate Overview
Why Choose Us?
Safety
Contractor Care
Send CV
Job Search
Work For Us
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Environmental, Social & Governance
Life at SO
Grow With Us
News & Insights
Contact Us
Employers
About Us
About Spencer Ogden
Our Charity Partners
Disciplines
Case Studies
Case Studies
Employers Overview
Why Work With Us?
Fraudulent Emails
Contract Solutions
Online Timesheet Portal
News and Insights
Contact Us
Back to Job Search

Associate Planner

Retained Position - Associate Planning Consultant – Edinburgh

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 Edinburgh office – 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.
 
Apply Now
Job Details
Location
Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
Job Type
Permanent
Ref
257056
Posted
28 FEB 2025
Consultant
Tamzin Ware
Share this job

At Spencer Ogden, we are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our recruitment process. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to making any necessary adjustments to ensure you can present your best self. If you require additional time for assessments, alternative application methods, or access to interview questions in advance, please let us know. We are open to any requests or suggestions and continually seek innovative ways to assess talent. As global recruitment experts in sustainability, natural resources and infrastructure we are working with our clients and candidates to create careers to power a sustainable future. Our priority is to ensure you feel supported, respected, and secure throughout your experience with us. #LifeAtSO

Apply For This Job

Please complete the form for this job application.

Related Jobs

View All Jobs