Assocaite Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in South Manchester is seeking a Senior / Associate Planner specializing in strategic and Green Belt projects. This role involves managing planning applications and developing strategies while mentoring junior staff, offering a competitive salary and flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus scheme

Professional development and CPD opportunities

Hybrid working flexibility

Full administrative and project support

Collaborative work culture

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in planning.
• Experience with Green Belt and strategic land planning.
• Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning appraisals, applications, and appeals.
• Develop tailored planning strategies for rural and strategic land projects.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to drive project progress.

Skills

Strong project management

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Education

MRTPI Chartered

Job description

Senior / Associate Planner – Strategic & Green Belt Specialist
Location: South Manchester (Hybrid Working: 3-4 days office, 1-2 days home/site)
Salary: Circa £45,000 DOE + Performance Bonus
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Chartered Status (MRTPI): Essential

An established and forward-thinking planning consultancy in South Manchester is looking for a Senior or Associate Planner to join their growing and ambitious team. Representing our client – a respected name in the rural and strategic planning sector – we are seeking a highly skilled planner with a strong track record of success, particularly in Green Belt sites and strategic planning.

This role will suit someone who is technically astute, commercially aware, and driven to lead complex projects from end to end.

The Opportunity

As a key member of the planning team, you will take ownership of a varied and challenging portfolio of rural, residential, and commercial schemes, often involving sensitive or high-stakes Green Belt locations. You will have the opportunity to shape strategy, mentor junior staff, and work closely with clients to help unlock land potential and deliver exceptional planning outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning appraisals, applications, and appeals from start to finish

• Develop tailored planning strategies for a range of rural and strategic land projects

• Liaise with clients, local authorities, stakeholders, and consultants to drive progress

• Supervise and support a Graduate Planner and Assistant Project Manager

• Use digital tools and CRM systems to maintain high project and client standards

• Problem-solve creatively and effectively under pressure

About You

• MRTPI Chartered (or eligible)

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in planning

• Demonstrable experience with Green Belt and strategic land planning

• Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills

• Capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative team

• Strong project management and organisational skills

• Enthusiastic, professional, and client-focused

• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced consultancy environment

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary (circa £45,000 depending on experience)

• Performance-related bonus scheme (post-probation)

• Hybrid working with a mix of office, site, and home-based flexibility

• Full administrative and project support

• Professional development and CPD opportunities

• A collaborative and modern work culture

This is a fantastic opportunity for a committed planner looking to take a step up, make an impact, and grow within a respected and agile planning consultancy.

Interested?

Contact Sofia Conte [e-mail] or call 01792 957386. We have many more vacancies available on our website.

This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position