Associate​/Associate Director

Axis is one of the leading planning and environmental consultancies in the UK. We are currently engaged in multiple DCO projects, together with a variety of other major infrastructure and development projects including renewable energy, hydrogen, transport, waste management, regeneration, residential, leisure, industrial and commercial development.

We work for some of the UK’s largest and most prestigious companies and has been responsible for some of the UK’s first and most innovative developments. Our success allows us to maintain a very strong order book.

This senior position requires a candidate with an excellent track record in planning, alongside experience directing and delivering a range of major development projects. You’ll also bring strong commercial awareness and outstanding interpersonal skills. The role offers an exciting opportunity to progress your career, working on a diverse portfolio of major projects alongside some of the UK’s leading planning professionals.

A key part of the role is to support the Newcastle office lead (Planning Technical Director) in growing the presence of Axis in the North East and supporting the professional development of the planning team. Potential for progression is anticipated for the right candidate.

Key tasks include:

• Helping to grow the existing team of Town Planners in our Newcastle office
• Leading development planning work and providing authoritative planning advice to clients
• Managing commercial aspects of commissions and/or projects including governance, fee management activities, together with internal job costings and resource requirements
• Leading multidisciplinary bid submissions for major infrastructure and development projects
• Playing a key role in generating repeat business and new business & market opportunities
• Managing client relationships and service delivery on a project basis in conjunction with other colleagues
• Taking the lead, setting the pace, and monitoring all work executed, at all stages ensuring an accurate, professional, and high-quality service is delivered to our clients
• Collaborate with other Axis teams (Transport and Landscape) to provide services and develop opportunities for new work
• Manage colleagues, including undertaking performance, development reviews, and mentoring & coaching

• A degree or post graduate qualification in Town and Country Planning (RTPI accredited) with Chartered membership of RTPI or an equivalent professional town planning organisation
• Proven track record of playing a key role in successful applications under the Town and County Planning Act 1990 or the Planning Act 2008
• Extensive relevant experience working in the private sector in multi-disciplinary consents team environments
• A thorough understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its relationship with the development consent process
• A sound, in-depth knowledge of planning law and procedures, and a strong commercial awareness
• Ability to work on own initiative and deliver high quality work to-programme and within budget
• Evidence of winning and managing large or complex development projects
• Excellent collaboration skills and proven experience of building successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Client and colleague relationship-focused, with good interpersonal skills and collaborative working approach
• Excellent report drafting skills and the ability to write clearly, concisely, and confidently with minimal assistance or overview
• An extensive professional network and high profile within the industry
• Competent in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of programmes

Axis provides great opportunities for career progression, highly competitive salaries, annual bonuses, and a range of working benefits including pension contributions, private healthcare, and payment of professional fees.

We have become adept at flexible working and embrace people wanting to work from home for part of the time, as well as from our offices in Chester (Bretton), Manchester (Wilmslow) and Newcastle. We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance amongst all our colleagues and regularly review our ways of…