Associate Town Planner - Infrastructure Team

Associate Town Planner - Infrastructure Team Who we are

Quod is a highly regarded, independent consultancy offering a range of planning and development consultancy services. We are recruiting for an experienced Associate to join our Infrastructure Team which has one of the strongest track records in securing consent for major infrastructure projects, with expertise across a range of consenting regimes all over the UK.

We have recently set up an Employee Owned Trust, making Quod an employee-owned business, putting the future of Quod firmly in the hands of all of our employees. Quod is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. We pride ourselves on getting the best outcomes for our clients. We see planning from the client's viewpoint and have a pragmatic, proportionate approach.

Quod offers a great place to work within the office and beyond and offers a full programme of events to help you reach your professional goals. The role will offer a unique opportunity to work alongside a team of infrastructure planning experts on some of the UK's biggest and complex infrastructure projects including nuclear power stations, renewable energy generation, airport expansions, rail and road schemes and strategic rail freight interchanges. We are looking for candidates with direct experience working on NSIP projects and sound knowledge of the DCO process from pre-application through to Examination stages.

We are building an inclusive culture to make Quod an excellent place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We offer first-class flexible working benefits, excellent employee well-being support and a great pension. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive. We actively welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion. We will fully support candidates with a disability or long-term condition who require adjustments in our recruitment process.

What are you going to do Key role responsibilities

Analyse complex planning matters, in the context of up-to-date planning policy and case law and making sound judgements in applying the planning balance to provide clear commercial advice to clients. Working with team Directors, to lead on major aspects of the very large and complex projects across all consenting regimes including, Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs). Lead on larger TCPA projects to provide scheme development advice in the pre-app stage, preparing and oversight of all application deliverables, submitting the application and seeing it through to determination. Take full responsibility for project related matters including the management of junior colleagues on projects. Manage large project teams of external consultants and stakeholders to secure the best schemes and the best outcomes for clients. Produce well written, clear, and comprehensive reports and correspondence. Lead on the drafting and submission of fee proposals and tender documents. Manage, coach and mentor junior colleagues, including overseeing the workload, of junior colleagues within the team to ensure that their work is able to meet our exacting standards.

What we ask

Direct experience of large scale infrastructure projects through the DCO process. Degree or higher in relevant subject. RTPI or RICS accreditation. Excellent verbal and written skills. Good presentation skills and experience of presenting to committees. An excellent understanding of UK planning law. A strong commercial awareness and exercises sound judgment and integrity. Positive, hard-working attitude. Independent complex problem solving abilities. Enjoys responsibility and integrating/collaborating with other teams.

What we offer

Competitive salary subject to relevant experience. Pension. 28 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays and the ability to buy additional annual leave after two years with Quod. Following probation: Discretionary bonus, a range of health benefits including private medical insurance, season ticket loans and cycle scheme.

How to apply

If you would be interested in joining our team, please complete the application form and provide a CV and covering letter. All applications will be treated in confidence.

Reasonable Adjustment

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the People Team at as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.