Planning Adviser

At the National Trust we care for places of historic interest and natural beauty for everyone, for ever. We provide access to more land in Northern Ireland, England and Wales than any other private landowner. We understand the importance of influencing the planning system at local, regional and national levels in accordance with our statutory purpose, in order to safeguard special places whilst regarding conservation as the careful management of change. Effective planning and land management is at the heart of everything we do. Our sites are under increasing pressure from competing land uses, and we have an important role to play in promoting an integrated approach to sustainable development. We recognise the importance of early engagement to maximising our influence and increasingly we are exploring working in partnership to deliver more through developments as they come forward.

What it's like to work here

As part of the wider National Trust Specialist Delivery team and a s one of a multi-disciplinary team of experts, including curators, building surveyors and project managers, you'll be working collaboratively with others to support delivery of our strategic priorities. We want to build on our existing work to bring benefit to more people in ways that are meaningful and relevant through working in partnership for shared outcomes.

This role covers Northern Ireland, and so your contractual place of work will be the regional hub office at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at and beyond National Trust places. We'll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40-60% of your working week.

What you'll be doing

Acting as the lead on all planning matters across Northern Ireland, you'll provide specialist advice on everything from local spatial planning, development management and land management, as well as policy-related work. You will be able to tackle a wide range of planning challenges facing our places, from influencing external major infrastructure and third-party development projects to the sensitive development of our own sites to sustain their future. With your proven experience colleagues will look to you for in-depth, up-to-the-minute expert advice and guidance. Like everyone here, you'll relish the challenge of helping more people to enjoy our special places and spaces, and to safeguard them for everyone, for ever.

Who we're looking for

In your application, please provide details of how you meet the criteria below:

• Significant practical knowledge of the Northern Ireland Planning Act, SPPS and regional planning context
• An experienced planner (either urban or rural planning) with broader knowledge and experience across at least one of the following areas: major infrastructure, transport planning, policy development, environmental issues, landscape or heritage.
• Ability to bring strategic oversight; to horizon scan and identify risks and opportunities
• Adept at analysing, resolving and preparing positions or advice on planning issues and able to influence positive outcomes across decision making and policy creation.
• Understanding of what's happening in the wider world of land use and planning, including relevant legislation.
• A chartered Town Planner (or with eligibility for full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute)
• A flexible thinker and problem solver, skilled at negotiating and building productive networks, and confident in using your expertise to influence decisions
• A skilled communicator, who can build strong relationships within diverse teams, both internally and externally, translating complex matters to diverse audiences.
• A confident and experienced stakeholder manager with the ability to build rapport quickly and influence outcomes.

The package

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

National Trust place

Rowallane House - RO, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, BT24 7LH

Requirements

Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 07 June 2026

Interview Date: 16 June 2026 (Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7LH)

EqualOpportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.