Development / Planning Assistant

Development / Planning Assistant
Department: Development
Reports To: Senior Development Manager

Job Summary

The Development Assistant will support the delivery of residential and mixed-use development projects from initial site assessment through planning, development appraisal, and post-planning delivery. The role is suited to a recent graduate with a background in property, planning, or real estate who has ideally gained a few years’ experience within a property agency or consultancy environment.

The successful candidate will assist in identifying development opportunities, preparing development appraisals, managing planning processes, and supporting projects through to implementation. This role requires a strong understanding of land, planning policy, and development viability.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development team in managing projects across all offices, from initial inception through to planning approval and final handover to the operations team.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the planning system, working closely with internal planning and technical teams as well as external consultants. Play an active role in the planning process, monitoring site progress and driving projects toward achieving implementable consent.
• Adopt effective working relationships with clients, local authorities, and external consultant teams, ensuring clear communication and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage client accounts by contributing to site negotiations, addressing planning matters, and participating in project team meetings to support the coordinated design and development process.
• Proactively move projects forward, ensuring schemes progress efficiently and effectively.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of our clients viability system, along with the internal procedures for assessing, reporting on, and acquiring land opportunities.
• Assess potential development sites, considering planning strategies, site constraints, engineering requirements, and delivery considerations. Provide support to the land team in site negotiations and the formulation of planning strategies and approaches.
• Oversee cost agendas and project trackers, ensuring accurate monitoring and arranging meetings as required.
• Act as a key link between the Development team and other internal departments to optimise opportunities and promote efficient cross‑departmental collaboration.
• Support technical aspects related to land acquisition, development, and associated legal agreements.
• Consistently adhere to company policies, procedures, and instructions, while contributing to continuous improvement by suggesting new ideas and supporting change initiatives aimed at enhancing the company’s reputation and performance.

Skills and Experience

• Ideally 2–3 years’ experience within a property agency, planning consultancy, or development environment.
• Understanding of land acquisition, planning processes, and development viability.
• Experience preparing or assisting with development appraisals.
• Knowledge of the UK planning system and development process.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Real Estate, Property, Urban Planning, Land Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Working towards or interested in pursuing professional accreditation (e.g., RICS or RTPI) is advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially aware with an interest in property development.
• Proactive, motivated, and eager to develop within a development-focused role.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external consultants.

For more information, please forward your up-to-date CV to cv@smartcityrecruiters.com