Senior Planner

We are excited to present a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Senior Planner to join our high-performing Investment, Development, and Planning (IDP) team in London.

The Senior Planner will work closely with the Planning team and relevant Hubs to negotiate and secure planning permissions across the Watkin Jones Group. This role involves efficiently responding to planning queries from the business and taking on any other tasks necessary to meet broader business objectives. The position requires in-depth town planning expertise, particularly related to our core residential for rent tenures.

The Senior Planner will be part of a Hub that brings together a range of skill sets and experience, including acquisitions, planning, and technical development expertise. Hub members work collaboratively as autonomous, high-performing teams, executing the Group Strategy by identifying and appraising development opportunities and ensuring the successful conversion of these opportunities into development projects.

This role is based in our London office in Soho Square, with the flexibility to work from home when needed, and will involve occasional travel to sites/clients as required.

About you

We re looking for someone who is educated to a degree / diploma or masters level in Town Planning and It s important that you re a full member of the RTPI for at least two years with knowledge of planning rules, procedures, guidance, and legalisation with a particular focus on residential for rent. You ll need to be able to demonstrate a understanding local authorities and statutory bodies in relation to planning (plan making and decision taking) and be able to act assertively to support a point of view. You need to be able to prepare information for reports / appraisals and be comfortable to present information in accurate, logical format.

IDP is a high performing team so the ability to work to tight schedule with competing priorities to deliver projects on time and in line with the design specifications / client requirements and be comfortable to hold accountability of significant workstreams and / or projects.

Why Join Us?

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here s what we can offer you:

• Professional Growth: Individual support for your career advancement.
• Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), flexible working from home, and discounted gym memberships.
• Benefits: Company car or allowance, exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?
Watkin Jones Group is the UK s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.

Joining us means becoming part of a company that s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We re committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development. This is more than just a job it s a chance to grow your career in a fast-paced, innovative environment. If you re ready to make a significant impact and advance your career with a market leader, we d love to hear from you!