Job Description
Planning Lawyer (Associate)
Location: Manchester (hybrid working)
Salary: £55,000 to £80,000 (dependent on experience)
Experience: NQ to 4 years’ PQE (Planning)
If you’re a Planning lawyer who wants varied, high-quality work and the chance to build your profile on complex development and infrastructure matters, this is a strong opportunity to join a national Planning & Infrastructure Consenting team in Manchester.
You’ll work on a broad mix of strategic advisory, transactional and contentious planning work, supporting a diverse client base across the public and private sectors. The role offers excellent exposure to regeneration and infrastructure projects across the UK, with close partner support and clear development opportunities.
This is a chance to develop your planning skill set across major residential and mixed-use schemes, city centre regeneration and infrastructure-led projects. You’ll take ownership of workstreams appropriate to your level, build client relationships, and work as part of a collaborative national team.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Advising on planning strategy for major development and infrastructure projects across sectors including residential, commercial, mixed-use and strategic employment schemes
- Drafting and negotiating section 106 agreements, highways agreements and other infrastructure documentation
- Supporting the promotion of compulsory purchase orders for local authorities and other acquiring authorities
- Advising on planning applications, development strategy and wider planning risk
- Assisting with planning appeals, judicial review, statutory challenges and enforcement matters
- Working directly with clients and taking ownership of key workstreams with appropriate supervision
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with NQ to 4 years’ PQE (or equivalent) in planning law
- Good grounding in town and country planning and highway law
- Experience drafting and negotiating planning and highways agreements, including section 106, section 278 and section 38 agreements
- Strong drafting skills, attention to detail and ability to deliver clear, commercial advice
- Ability to manage matters or workstreams appropriate to your level and work effectively as part of a wider team
- Confidence building client relationships and taking increasing responsibility for client-facing work
Helpful (but not essential)
- Experience of, or interest in, compulsory purchase
- Experience of, or interest in, planning appeals, judicial review or statutory challenges
- Experience of, or interest in, NSIPs, DCOs or protective provisions
What’s On Offer
- Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)
- Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)
- Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)
- Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover
- Dental plan and access to health screening options
- Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover
- 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year
- Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)
- Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling
- Mental health support network and occupational health support
- Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps
- Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan
- CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme
- Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes
Working Arrangements
Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).
Next Steps (How to Apply)
Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.